photo by Senior Airman Alexandre Montes) Col. Jon A. Roop takes the 11th Wing guidon from Maj. Gen. Frank Gorenc, Air Force District of Washington commander, during a change of command ceremony June 26 on the ceremonial lawn on Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. Colonel Roop is taking over for Col. Kurt F. Neubauer, recently named to command the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

In his brief remarks, Colonel Roop, a 1986 Air Force Academy graduate, reflected on the vital importance of leadership throughout the chain of command, and praised Colonel Neubauer for invaluable contributions to Bolling and the 11th Wing.

“Command is a duty that is taken very seriously,“ Colonel Roop told his new military and civilian team. “It is a responsibility and privilege focused to one end: the mission. Now, to those who study and practice the art of leadership there is another end: to make a difference in the lives you touch, directly or indirectly. As we heard in Colonel Neubauer's Legion of Merit citation, he has made that difference to the mission and to the Airmen of the 11th Wing.“

Airmen and guests in attendance also heard the new commander explain what he felt was the 11th Wing's mission. “So what is our mission? Where is our focus?“ Colonel Roop said.

“As I see it, America looks to its Airmen to provide dominance that spans the air, space and cyberspace war-fighting domains,“ he said. “The Airmen of the 11th Wing serve America by developing mission-ready forces postured to deliver superior customer service, precise musical and ceremonial engagement, and tailored expeditionary response.“

Colonel Roop, who comes to Bolling from Air Force Force District of Washington, where he was vice commander, pledged to his new and former boss, Maj. Gen. Frank Gorenc, his total dedication to continuing Bolling's rich tradition of excellence.

“General Gorenc, I've heard your charge and you have my word to earn the trust of these professional Airmen,“ Colonel Roop said. “I will also nurture that trust while relentlessly pursuing the mission. We will learn to see barriers as invitations to accomplish brave acts, to demonstrate our courage and to remain accountable to the commitment to be stewards of service for the National Capital Region.

“To the men and women of the 11th Wing...you're making a difference,“ the colonel continued. “Your selfless devotion to improve our work environment and positively affect our mission honors the heritage of excellence that is synonymous with the 'Chief's Own.' ... I am confident that we will continue to serve our nation well and faithfully. You are true professionals; respected and appreciated. To my family, friends, and colleagues: Thank you again for sharing in this special occasion with Lori and me; may God bless you and keep your families safe. ... Now, men and women of the 11th Wing, we know our purpose. It's time to go; we have work to do.

Colonel Roop's previous assignments include tours at McClellan Air Force Base, Calif.; Peace Shield Program, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Wright- Patterson AFB, Ohio; Pentagon, Washington; Quantico, Va.; Charleston AFB, S.C.; Maxwell AFB, Ala.; Stuttgart, Germany; Balad Air Base, Iraq; and Andrews AFB, Md.

He has earned the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, among others. (Courtesy of 11th Wing Public Affair Office)