The 387th AEG bids farewell to a great leader, hails new commander

Published July 5, 2011
By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
386th Air Expeditonary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Several local leaders, base leaders and Airmen, witnessed as Col. Scott DeThomas assumed command of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group during a change-of-command ceremony here July 5, replacing Col. Tal Metzgar.

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander, Col. Michael Zick, presided over the ceremony and spoke a few short words about Colonel Metzgar.

"I think it is most important to emphasize some of the numbers and recognize the phenomenal work Col. Metgar's group has accomplished under his watch," said Colonel Zick. "This past year, the Airmen of the 387th have faithfully participated in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. During this time, the 387th has enabled the movement of over 1,000 distinguished visitors, 5,000 aircraft, 477,300 passengers, 166,800 tons of cargo, and the dignified transfer of more than 134 fallen warriors."

These statistics make this group the second busiest aerial port of debarkation for USENTCOM and accounts for around 40 percent of the strategic air cargo coming in and out of the theater. Additionally, the 387th Combat Truckers have driven more that 9.9 million miles and delivered more than 334, 000 tons of critical cargo to 23 coalition bases.

Co. Zick then presented the Bronze Star to the departing commander, for his outstanding accomplishments during his one-year tenure.

Directly following, Col. Metzgar took the time to say a few words to his audience before he officially relinquished command.

"To the men and the women of the 387th, today's Patriots, the sacrifices you will make will never be known by most people, yet you guarantee freedom for the citizens of the United States and our allies around the world," said Col. Metzgar. "We ask you to do very difficult things, under extraordinary circumstances, and you continually impress me and others with your outstanding results. Thank you for allowing me to join your championship team this year."

Let us not forget the ultimate sacrifice of the nearly 200 service members who passed through this year enroute to their final resting place, and the broken hearts of their grieving families who will forever mourn their loss, he added. Don't let their sacrifice be in vain.

After acknowledging multiple contributions of his Airmen, Colonel Metzgar relinquished command. With the simple words, "Sir, I assume command," and the receiving of the guidon, Colonel DeThomas took command of the group

Colonel DeThomas began his tenure as the 387th AEG commander by thanking the outgoing commander and sharing his thoughts on deployment.

"I'd like to take a moment and extend a special thank you to Colonel Metzgar and to your family for your tremendous service and sacrifice this past year," said Colonel DeThomas. "Your leadership has ensured mission success throughout the past 12 months and can be seen on the faces of the men and women of this great group. It's not too often a new commander gets to spend four-plus days with the outgoing commander, but you provided me an outstanding transition and the tools necessary to succeed."

The new AEG commander also had words for his group members.

"I am proud to be an official member of this team," said Colonel DeThomas. "The lineage of this group and the many accomplishments since its establishment are something to be extremely proud of ... but more importantly, I am proud of the opportunity we have together to continue to rise to new heights.

Colonel DeThomas arrived here after serving as Chief of Strategy and Policy Division, North American Aerospace Command- United States North Command, Colo.

Change of Command