Battlefield Airmen welcome new leader

  • Published
  • By Andrea Thacker
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Milam assumed command of the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing from Col. Scott Kindsvater during a change of command ceremony held July 20.

Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central commander, officiated over the ceremony of the Air Force's first wing solely dedicated to supporting Battlefield Airmen.

As Wells praised Kindsvater for his leadership, he welcomed Milam back to Moody and commended the 93d AGOW for its successes since its activation in early 2008.

"Today I have the privilege of recognizing two warriors, one who has led, and one who will lead the 93d AGOW," said Wells. "I am especially honored to be here today with the Airmen that provide high-quality, precision battlefield support in combat operations. ...

"The Airman, mission, equipment and combat focus ...of the 93d has been truly phenomenal," he added. "Our nation has called upon you repeatedly to protect and defend her from our enemies, and without fail you have answered that call."

After only one year of command here, Kindsvater departs Moody to serve as the Support and Security Assistance deputy chief in Islamabad, Pakistan.

"...This unit is chalked full of the best our nation has to offer," Kindsvater said. "Handing over the flag to you (Milam) is my honor. I know you ... will do great things and take the wing to new heights."

Although Milam comes from Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., where he served as the 355th Operations Group commander, he is no stranger to Moody. He served two of his previous assignments at Moody. From 1994 to 1997, he served as an A-10C Thunderbolt II instructor pilot and from 2007 to 2009 he commanded the 75th Fighter Squadron.

"To the men and women of the AGOW, your achievements are remarkable and well-documented," said Milam. "Your impact on our current conflicts is far greater than your numbers on the battlefield. Many soldiers, sailors Airmen and Marines owe you more than most of them will ever realize.

"I couldn't be more excited to work side-by side with each of you," he added. "All I'll promise you is lots of hard work and that I will be right there with you as we figure it all out."

Milam also thanked his predecessor for his extraordinary work and assured him he'd do everything in his power to maintain the momentum and execute the way ahead outlined for the wing.

Milam has a master's degree in military operational arts and science, from Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., and a master's in national security studies from the Naval War College in R.I.

He is rated as a command pilot, with more than 3,500 hours, including more than 3,300 in the A-10.