93rd AGOW guidon changes hands to Kindsvater

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  As the guidon of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing changes hands, one commander takes the spot of another to lead the only base defense group in the Air Force and more than 2,500 Airmen.

Brig. Gen. John Horner, former commander of the 93rd AGOW, relinquished command of the wing to its new commander, Col. Scott Kindsvater, July 15.

"Today we honor all of you, the men and women who support the mission of the 93rd AGOW day in and day out 365 days of the year," said Maj. Gen. Stephen Hoog, 9th Air Force commander. "Changes of command are always a bittersweet affair and the change of the guidon is steeped in history."

The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that dates back to the time of Roman legions. These military organizations developed flags unique to each organization.

This flag was incorporated into the ceremony and exchanged in public for all to see that the one who holds the flag is the unchallenged leader of the armies.

The modern-day ceremony is symbolic yet still indicates the authority of the incoming commander.

The change of command comes after Horner led the 93rd AGOW for two years through multiple operations including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

"As I look back sometimes I feel tired or exhausted but I also wonder what happened to the last two years," said Horner. "So much has happened, from when the previous commander handed me the reins of the 93rd AGOW to where we are today with Colonel Kindsvater and his family picking up the reins."

Kindsvater was previously assigned to the Joint Staff as the executive assistant to the director of the joint staff. He assisted the director in managing the joint staff on behalf of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Kindsvater spoke to the Airmen of the 93rd AGOW after taking command about how proud he is and what he looks forward to accomplishing.

"As an Airman, the pinnacle is to command other Airmen our nation's sons and daughters. Men and women of the 93rd AGOW, it is my humble privilege to be your commander," said Kindsvater. "Thank you for your service and what a remarkable organization this is full of the best our nation has to offer."