New 820 SFG commander ready to step in

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The group that provides the one-a-of-kind, first-in air base defense and force protection for the Expeditionary Air Force welcomed their new leader during a change of command ceremony here June 18.

Col. Randall Richert took command of the 820th Security Forces Group from Col. Donald Derry, who will be the force protection director for Headquarters U.S. Air Forces Central at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

"I was there along with Colonel Derry when the 820th was getting started and I never thought I would ever command this group--it's truly a dream come true," said Colonel Richert, a Wisconsin native. "Thank you to those who afforded me the opportunity to lead such an elite group. My family and I are very excited to be here with a community that greatly supports the military."

During his previous assignment, the new 820th SFG commander served as the provost marshal at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces Japan and the director of security forces at Headquarters Fifth Air Force, both located at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

"Colonel Richert is just the right person to lead the 820th SFG," said Col. John Horner, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing commander. "He brings with him a world of experience, having served as commander at all levels. Colonel Derry will surely be missed, but I couldn't have found a better replacement."

Before relinquishing command of the 820th SFG to Colonel Richert, Colonel Derry spoke about his experiences as commander for the past two years.

"It has been an honor to serve everyday of these last two years with the 820th and there is no way that I could simply thank all those individuals who have positively influenced me over the course of my tour," he said. "The 820th and the local community know how I feel about them--I love them! I will miss the 820th and Valdosta.

"This assignment has been and will always be the highlight of my career--something I'm very proud of," he added. "I have been blessed to have been part of the 820th since its inception and I've had the pleasure to serve in the unit as a captain, major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. That is something no other security forces officer can say."

Colonel Derry has seen the group evolve since its inception and has many of the same qualifications as the members in the 820th SFG, to include the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, and he assured the 820th SFG that Colonel Richert is the right man for the job.

"I could not think of a more qualified officer to replace me and lead the 820th from the front than Colonel Richert," he said. "You all will continue to be the premier security forces unit in the United States under his leadership. Good luck and God speed!"

As the new commander, Colonel Richert told his Airmen that he is ready to step in as their new leader.

"I look forward to working with the high-speed Airmen and I'm ready to accomplish our mission," he said. "My goal is to focus on mission readiness and taking care of you and your families. When the Pentagon doesn't know who to call, they pick up the phone and it rings here, so we must be prepared to support that."

The 820th SFG's mission is to provide first-in, highly capable, force protection and contingency response for expeditionary air forces anywhere, anytime and under austere conditions. The group, which was activated in 1997, is made up of 12 Air Force Specialty Codes with an airborne capability.

The new commander graduated cum laude and was commissioned in 1985 from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. His accomplishments include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and U.S. Army Air Assault Badge.

Colonel Richert and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters, Jessica and Shelby.