Mission Support Group Change Of Command

Lieutenant Colonel Brian C. Elbert (right), accepts the 157th Mission Support Group guidon from Colonel Richard P. Martell, commander 157th Air Refueling Wing during the 157th MSG change of command at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire on November 8th, 2009. Lt. Col. Elbert succeeds Colonel Leroy Dunkelberger as commander of the 157th MSG. Master Sergeant Steve Shea, guidon bearer and 157th MSG first sergeant looks on. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Lenz)

Elbert assumes command of the Mission Support Group

Published Nov. 9, 2009
By 1Lt. Sherri Pierce
157ARW/PA

Pease ANGB -- Lt. Col. Brian Elbert assumed command of the 157th Air Refueling Wing's Mission Support Group during a ceremony Nov. 8 at Pease Air National Guard Base.

"We are about to embark on a whole new journey with new leadership," said Col. Richard Martell, 157th Air Refueling Wing Commander.

Elbert, formerly the 260th Air Traffic Control Squadron Commander, took the reigns from Col. "Dutch" Dunkelberger.

"What a tough act to follow," said Elbert. "Clearly you raised the bar and left it better than you found it. I have big shoes to fill."

In other remarks, an emotional Elbert not only thanked his family who was present at the event but also the ATC Squadron for "the best nine years of my military life."

Elbert also thanked the Wing "for allowing me to serve...I don't take (the command) lightly."

While the ceremony was to recognize the new commander, it was also a time to say goodbye to the old.

"I know that I have valued his advice, his work, and I always knew Dutch came to the team giving it his all. I appreciate that, Sir," said Martell.

During the ceremony, Dunkelberger received the Meritorious Service Medal fourth oak leaf cluster for distinguished service during his nine years of command.

Dunkelberger is going on to a position at the National Guard Bureau and "we will watch as he impacts things at a national level and gives it his very best," said Martell.