Harris assumes command of 22nd Air Force

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Branch
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Hundreds of service members and civic leaders gathered with friends and family to welcome the new 22nd Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Stayce D. Harris, during promotion and assumption of command ceremonies at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. on Aug. 9, 2014.

The former brigadier general had her second star pinned on by senior and future Air Force leaders as well as close friends.

The presiding officer of the promotion ceremony, Gen. Darren W. McDew, Air Mobility Command commander, described Harris as a pioneer.

"We promote based on potential," said McDew. "Harris was commissioned among 8,929 officers in 1982 and is one of 18 in her year group to be promoted to major general. I am convinced that there is no limit for her."

Harris was commissioned in the Air Force through the University of Southern California's Air Force ROTC program in 1982. She served on active duty until joining the Air Force Reserve in 1991. She has served as a mobility force planner for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations and as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. Additionally, her extensive command experience includes an airlift squadron, an expeditionary operations group, and an air refueling wing.

"The America we live in ultimately allows us to achieve the things we are qualified, competent, and willing to do," said McDew. "Challenge Harris and she will deliver every time."

During the promotion ceremony, McDew along with an original Tuskegee Airman, Hillard Pouncy and Mundy's Mill High School JROTC members removed her single stars and replaced them with dual stars.

Harris was immediately appointed commander of 22nd Air Force by Lt. Gen. James "JJ" Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and commander, Air Force Reserve Command.

She will oversee 15,000 Reservists and 105 unit-equipped aircraft along with command supervision of the Reserve's air mobility operations. Reserve aircrews within 22nd Air Force participate in variety of missions to include flight test and undergraduate pilot training, aerial spraying, fire suppression, hurricane hunters, and airlift transport utilizing the C-130 Hercules. 22nd Air Force also has an expansive mobile civil engineering response force.

"You represent the finest of our Air Force Citizen Airmen, said Jackson to Harris. "It's not because of broken barriers or statistics that you were chosen for this position, but it was because of your leadership."

"Take care of your people," said Jackson. "If you can maintain a cohesive team within the assets of 22nd Air Force, you will make a better Air Force."

Harris accepted the challenge and her two-star flag was unfurled.

"I am who I am, because you are...," Harris proclaimed to the crowd as she assumed her new command. "I'm so proud of the 15,000 men and women of our Reserve force who make the sacrifice every day by balancing their family life, civilian career, and academic education while fulfilling a military commitment to make these 22nd Air Force missions happen."

Master Sgt. Ralph Amour, the 22nd Air Force training manager has worked with Harris for one week.

"General Harris has solicited the support, experience, and leadership of the Reserve senior enlisted corps as her predecessors did," said Armour. "As enlisted leaders, we have a vested interest in carrying out her orders to support not only 22nd Air Force wings, but active duty, guard, and other reserve units."

"General Harris has brought a level of excitement to 22nd Air Force," said Tech. Sgt. Kathleen Welsch, 22nd Air Force information technology specialist. "She has a lot of worldwide experience, which I'm sure is going to benefit us greatly."

Harris closed with what she visions as the responsibility of being a Citizen Airman and ultimately an American Airman.

"There's a propensity to serve that lies in our hearts," said Harris. "It's a deep seeded feeling that says I want, I choose, and I long to be part of a culture greater than myself. We choose to serve, sacrifice, and give our lives in defense of our nation."

"We live, we play, we work, we vote and are deeply rooted in the communities in which we live," she added. "And we bleed red, white and blue for the sacrifices we make, for the preservation of justice and integrity and our way of life. It's because of those qualities and more that I am humbled to serve the members of 22nd Air Force."

Harris insists 22nd Air Force will remain ready, relevant, and responsive to our nations' call.