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157th Operations Support Squadron has new commander

By Airman Victoria Nelson, 157th Air Refueling Wing / Published October 14, 2017

Col. John Pogorek, commander of the 157th Operations Group, left, pins a commander's pin on Lt. Col. Mark Ustaszewski, incoming commander of the 157th Operations Support Squadron during a change command ceremony as Master Sgt. Jason Veziris holds the 157th OSS unit guidon, Oct. 14, 2017, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H. Lt. Col. Ustaszewski replaces outgoing 157th OSS commander Lt. Col. Jeffery Cole, who served as the commander for two years and will be the new deputy commander for the 157th OG. (N.H. Air National Guard photo by Airman Victoria Nelson)
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Col. John Pogorek, commander of the 157th Operations Group, left, pins a commander's pin on Lt. Col. Mark Ustaszewski, incoming commander of the 157th Operations Support Squadron during a change command ceremony as Master Sgt. Jason Veziris holds the 157th OSS unit guidon, Oct. 14, 2017, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H. Lt. Col. Ustaszewski replaces outgoing 157th OSS commander Lt. Col. Jeffery Cole, who served as the commander for two years and will be the new deputy commander for the 157th OG. (N.H. Air National Guard photo by Airman Victoria Nelson)

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Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H. --

Lt. Col. Mark Ustaszewski, took command of the 157th Operations Support Squadron from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Jeffery Cole during the OSS change of command ceremony, here, Oct. 14, 2017.

The change of command ceremony is the transfer of total responsibility of authority and accountability from one individual to another.

“I am truly humbled and honored to have this opportunity to serve as the OSS commander,” said Ustaszewski. “I have been in a lot of units in my career, but in this unit, the day I walked in I felt like family.”

Col. John Pogorek, said he believes Ustaszewski’s style of leadership and teamwork is going to be crucial in the wing’s success with the new KC-46 Pegasus.

“Uzi has always aspired to help the greatest amount of Airmen in the wing, in the most positive way,” said Pogorek.

As the new OSS commander, Ustaszewski challenges everyone to be positive.

“Every interaction you have, try to make it a positive one,” concluded Ustaszewski. “Even if it is short, or it’s a 60 day [temporary duty assignment] try to make it the most positive interaction you possibly can. It will go a long way to getting us through a lot of the stress that we deal with already and the stress coming up.”

Pogorek also thanked Cole for the dedication he has shown to his Airmen, his family and his community during his time as the OSS commander.

“Jeff has found the perfect life balance,” said Pogorek. “He is a leader in both his work and in his community.”

Lt. Col. Jeffery Cole will be the deputy group commander for the 157th Operations Group.

Ustaszewski thanked Cole for the leadership he has shared and the overwhelming amount of work he has put into his job as commander.

“Jeff,” said Ustaszewski, standing nearly a foot taller than his former commander. “The flight suit is a little small but your boots are going to be hard to fill.”

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