Group commander departs Dobbins Published July 18, 2013 By By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The character Shrek, from Disney's famed Pixar Animation Studios, is often described as a large, green, intimidating, no-nonsense ogre. Despite being surly and cranky, Shrek doesn't want to hurt anyone and is, overall, a peaceful creature who simply wants to protect his precious solitude. Dobbins Air Reserve Base has its own version of Shrek, according to those who know him well, and he recently left the bright lights and big city for his own enchanted forest. Col. Steven R. Clayton, 94th Operations Group commander since 2006, retired June 28 after 30 years of service to the U.S. Air Force. Clayton's new home is Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. There, he manages the flight simulator and academics for the base Undergraduate Pilot Training program. It's no wonder he is known for having a direct, no-nonsense, mission-oriented approach. He didn't have time to be otherwise. "If I had to engage in a counseling session, the question was often asked, 'Did he Shrek you?'" said Clayton. His fairness, sense of humor and ability to make fun of himself gained him admiration of those around him and made him life-long friends. Just as Shrek had Donkey, Clayton had Lt. Col. John Jones, 94th OG deputy commander. Clayton and Jones met as first and second lieutenants, respectively, in the 1980's. "He has always been able to get things done and get things fixed," said Jones. "He is very direct, gets problems resolved and moves on. Some people can't handle that. They take it as personal criticism. That's when the Donkey steps in! I try to smooth out the rough edges and get our folks to realize it not personal, it's all about the mission. With the combination of our different management styles, I think it has made the Ops Group run very well. I'm really going to miss his humor and extreme sarcasm." Jones worked for Clayton at the squadron level in the 700th Airlift Squadron as the assistant director of operations, as well as at the group level. "I couldn't have found a better Donkey," said Clayton of his loyal side-kick. While at Dobbins, Clayton managed more than 260 military and civilian personnel, eight C-130 aircraft and a multi-million dollar budget to accomplish the 94th Airlift Wing's mission of providing qualified C-130 aircrew members for worldwide mobility. He was responsible for supplying Air Mobility Command with combat-ready units and overseeing air traffic control, weather and airfield operations at Dobbins. Clayton was assigned to the base in various leadership capacities during both the transition from operational unit to schoolhouse in 2000, and back to operational unit in 2010. He served as the 700th AS director of operations, then left Dobbins to command the 911th OG at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa. "The main mission of the Ops Group is to fly," said Clayton. "We did that well. Flyers always train and maintain their proficiency. The leadership keeps everyone focused on the latest tactics. I'm happy to say that the OG didn't have any major issues, other than working for me!" Clayton did not have a retirement ceremony, but instead opted for a barbecue for his Airmen. "I'd rather do that to say 'thanks', than make them sit through a long, boring ceremony and listen to how great I am," said Clayton. "The fact is, commanders typically rely on Airmen to get it done. They did the work. I just directed their efforts." Last but not least. "My best personal achievement upon coming back to Dobbins: I met and married the love of my life, Debbie," said Clayton. Clayton, is expected to do well mentoring young flyers, as he will likely be "Shrek'n" any and all who do not perform.
