Pease welcomes new leaders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Taylor Queen
  • 157th Air Refueling Wing

The 157th Air Refueling Wing welcomed two new group commanders, Aug. 14.

In separate ceremonies, Col. Anthony Pasquale assumed command of the 157th Mission Support Group and Lt. Col. James Brown assumed command of the 157th Medical Group. Col. John Pogorek, 157th Air Refueling Wing commander, presided over the ceremonies and presented the new commanders their organizational guidons.

Pasquale previously served as the commander of the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron, Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, New York, and is a Tactical Air Control Party officer.

Brown comes to Pease from the 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts, where he served as the chief health administrator and also served as a FEMA regional medical plans officer.

Both incoming commanders praised the units for their dedication and hard work, especially during the pandemic response missions.

“I appreciate the opportunity to join and lead this amazing unit,” said Pasquale. “I am proud and humbled to be a part of this team.”

While the state’s largest activation is behind it, the commanders noted there is still a lot more to come, and to keep looking forward.

“I am very excited to work with you all,” said Brown. “Continue to take calculated risks and push yourselves. Myself and the rest of the Pease team will be behind you.”