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755th Air Expeditionary Group changes command

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan --  Airmen deployed throughout Afghanistan gathered July 11 to witness a change in leadership. 

Col. Thomas Huizenga relinquished command of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group to Col. James Reed during an evening ceremony here. 

The 755th AEG provides supervision and operational direction to Airmen serving in Joint or Army organizations, spread out over 41 separate locations in Afghanistan. These Airmen provide air and space power expertise in Provincial Reconstruction Teams, Embedded Training Teams, Brigade Support Teams, and in traditional Army maneuver units. 

"The 755th has our toughest group job in the (area of responsibility)," said Brig. Gen. Mike Holmes, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony. "They provide (administrative control) and (operational control) support to more than 800 request-for-forces Airmen - and when you add in the individual augmentees, it will soon be more than 1,200 - that are away from home, that are split out in small groups, that may be doing things they are unfamiliar with in environments that are new to them, and the 755th's job is to take care of them."

The 755th AEG is often referred to as the sheepdogs. Their unit patch features a sheepdog holding a coyote with the phrase "Don't give up the sheep" written in Latin. This theme comes from a book by Army Lt. Col. (ret.) Dave Grossman who once wrote that there are three types of people in the world - sheep who are kind, gentle productive creatures, wolves who feed on the sheep and sheepdogs who live to protect the flock and confront the wolves. 

"Colonel Huizenga's vision is that his group would be the sheepdogs for our Airmen, and that they would also prepare our Airmen so that they can take their place as sheepdogs in Afghanistan," explained General Holmes. "I'm proud to be one of those sheepdogs and I know that he is too. He's defended them, he's protected them, he's been their advocate, and he's accomplished things that have made all their lives better." 

During his one year as commander of the 755th AEG, Colonel Huizenga was instrumental in pioneering third party equipment turn in that would return Airmen home quicker at the end of their tour as well as save the Air Force money. He also developed a reorganization plan that provides four squadrons across the area of responsibility, in an effort to better care for Airmen doing their jobs throughout Afghanistan. For these accomplishments and others, Colonel Huizenga was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Before relinquishing command, Colonel Huizenga thanked the men and women of the 755th AEG - some of the finest warriors he has ever known, he said. 

"I owe a debt that can never be repaid to the intrepid sheepdogs that are the 755th Air Expeditionary Group," he said. "Your efforts have supported the joint force, protected the innocent and your comrades in arms, and helped change an entire nation for the better. The (in-lieu-of) mission is infinitely varied, it's complex and often hazardous, but you have acquitted yourselves as Airmen and as warriors. So be proud of being Airmen. I salute your service, your sacrifice and your dedication to the Air Force Core Values of 'Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All You Do.' I have been honored and humbled to be known as your commander." 

In quoting Capt. John Paul Jones, Colonel Huizenga also passed on some advice to his successor, Colonel Reed. 

"Captain Jones said, 'It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win,'" he began. "Your Airmen are willing to risk in this fight. Take care of them as a sheepdog should and watch them win. They will amaze you." 

With the time-honored tradition of the passing of the unit flag, Colonel Reed officially assumed command of the 755th AEG. He said he was honored and privileged to serve as commander of this varied group. 

"Whether integrated in coalition operations, interacting with local populace, or bringing Air Force innovation to provincial reconstruction teams, you are our Airmen ambassadors across the AOR. You are America's Airmen. Stand tall and stand proud. You are an integral member of our Air Force," he said. "Know that I am very proud and honored to lead you and serve alongside you in our mission of fighting terror and building peace."