Wing commander, wife recognized for service

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Air Combat Command officials recently announced the 23rd Wing commander and his wife as the 2007 ACC nominees for the General & Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. 

The award recognizes Col. Joseph Callahan, and his wife Felicia, for local contributions to the nation, Air Force and community that best exemplify the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple in a key Air Force position. 

Despite receiving the ACC recognition, Colonel Callahan said the local community deserves much of the credit. 

"The local school boards were the first in Georgia to allow children of Airmen, who recently returned from deployment, to take excused absences from school so families would have time to get reacquainted," said the colonel. "Local civic leaders have repeatedly worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation to improve the safety of Bemiss Highway by adding additional street and traffic lights. In addition, Valdosta State University and Valdosta Technical College offer continuing education programs for Airmen and their families." 

Being the ACC nominee for this award also highlights the challenges and opportunities he has faced while leading the five diverse units that make up the 23rd WG, said Colonel Callahan. 

"Most wing commanders need to simply focus on their installation and the organizations that run it - from the Mission Support Group to the Medical Group and support staff, and a single operational area - fighter, airlift, bomber, etc.," said the colonel. "But the 23rd WG performs three very distinct operations that are succinctly outlined in our motto of 'Attack - Rescue - Protect.' 

"Coming from a career in combat search and rescue, it has been a steep learning curve as I pick up on the requirements and culture of the security and close air support communities," continued the commander. 

Learning the wide array of jobs that make up the wing has been the best part of his job as the 23rd WG commander, he said. 

"I have been given the opportunity to experience and work with a wide range of professionals across the spectrum of Air Force specialties," said Colonel Callahan. 

"One day I may be working an A-10 targeting pod sourcing problem, the next a civil 
engineering facilities issue, and the next day might cover a force protection challenge for the base; no two days are identical." 

For Mrs. Callahan, she has found that while the mission and responsibilities may change, a few priorities must remain paramount. 

"We have command spouses who work outside the home; some who are in the military," she said. "We have empty-nesters and those who are in full-time mom-at-home mode. I feel the marriage, the family and your own identity are the most important things to maintain. They are the things you will have when the command is over." 

The award is named for General Jerome F. O'Malley and his wife Diane, who died in an Air Force T-39 Sabreliner crash April 20, 1985, at the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Penn., airport. They were traveling to speak at a Boy Scout banquet. 

At the time of the accident, General O'Malley was head of the Tactical Air Command, at Langley Air Force Base, Va.