Wing receives new commander Published June 7, 2010 By Master Sgt. James Branch Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Col. Heath J. Nuckolls transferred command of the 94th Airlift Wing to Col. Timothy E. Tarchick during a Change of Command ceremony here June 5. Colonel Nuckolls has commanded the wing, which is comprised of approximately 1,800 personnel, since Jan. 2006. The 94th Airlift Wing's mission is three-fold. Its primary mission is to train United States Air Force C130H aircrews. The second mission is to maintain combat ready units to deploy on short notice to support contingencies anywhere in the world. Finally, the wing is the host organization for supporting all agencies and tenants on Dobbins Air Reserve Base. "Keeping with tradition, the primary purpose of the Change of Command is to allow subordinates to witness a formal change of one commanding officer to another," said Capt. Darrell Bogan, narrator of the event. The ceremony was presided over by Col. Andre, vice commander, 22nd Air Force. Lt. Gen (retired) James E. Sherrard III and his wife Marsha, Maj. Gen (retired) James Bankers and his wife Dorothy, Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt, adjutant general, Georgia National Guard, Brig. Gen. (retired) William W. Basnett, Brig. Gen. (retired) Thomas Stogsdill, Brig. Gen. (retired) Richard Severson and his wife Karen, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force #14 Gerald R. Murray and many community supporters were among distinguished guests. "Colonel Nuckolls and Colonel Tarchick have a combined 6 decades of service," said Colonel Andre. "Their knowledge and understanding of the Air Force Reserve and the defense of our nation is a tremendous asset." The 94th Airlift Wing achieved many accomplishments under Colonel Nuckolls to include passing six major inspections in one week, earning the prestigious Air Force Unit of the Year award, completing numerous AEF mobilizations and deployments throughout the world such as Iraq and Afghanistan and serving as the only Air Force Reserve unit chosen by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force to host an Air Force Week celebrating the U.S. Air Force's 60th Anniversary sharing the Air Force legacy with millions of people. "We are eager to have Colonel Nuckolls back at 22nd Air Force, this time as our Chief of Staff," said Colonel Andre. " "As I look out in the audience I see a lot of mentors, colleges and friends," said Colonel Nuckolls. I really can't over-say the importance of the relationship between Dobbins and the local community." "To the members of the 94th Airlift Wing, it's been an honor and a privilege to serve with you," said Nuckolls. "You faced numerous challenges, whether it was Air Force Week, which turned out to be Air force year as we hosted events for 10 months, or whether deploying to Southwest Asia six months at a time, the results were always the same; Excellence. You never lost sight of our purpose; to accomplish the mission." The colors were passed, and Colonel Tarchick took command. "I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has a plan for my family and for putting us here," Colonel Tarchick said. "My wife Cindee, Hannah, Emma, Cade and Holly are excited to see how that plan unfolds here in Georgia." "Our 19 year olds Anthony and Brittany aren't here," Colonel Tarchick said. Colonel Tarchick comes to Dobbins after commanding the 934th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minn., which had 1,450 assigned personnel, and approximately 5,000 tenant personnel, including an Air National Guard Airlift Wing, a U.S. Army reserve engineering brigade, and a Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center. "Colonel Nuckolls, thank you for your leadership and commitment to this wing. On behalf of the 94th Airlift Wing, I want to wish you and your wife Julie, children Beth and Andrew all the best. I promise to take the wing to the next level. An Ohio native, Colonel Tarchick joined the Air Force Reserve in 1978 at the 910th Tactical Airlift Group in Youngstown, Oh. He was an X-Ray Technician for three years becoming a C-130B Loadmaster. While serving, he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Youngstown State University. He received his commission as a second lieutenant Nov. 1984. He has over 6,000 hours in eight different hours in different versions of the C-130 aircraft, KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft and HH-60 Pavehawk Helicopter. "My personal priorities are first, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, second, my family, and third, everything else," said Colonel Tarchick. "My professional priorities are the mission, you and everything else." "Everyone in this organization is a leader," said Colonel Tarchick. "Expect me to communicate, and give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay." While getting the mission done is important, the Commander stated that if it's not done safely, not only is the mission accomplishment at risk, but the health and welfare of the people are jeopardized. "Expect me to right thing morally, ethically, legally and safely," said Tarchick. "I believe passionately in the core values; Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do." Click here to view article by Marietta Daily Journal
