Col. Jackson takes command of 22nd ARW

Published May 31, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Col. Ricky Rupp relinquished command of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing to Col. Joel Jackson during a change of command ceremony here May 31, 2013.

Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, which has been a military tradition since the beginning of the Air Force. The transfer of the unit guidon symbolizes the transfer of authority from the previous commander to the new commander.

"This is a very special day for our Air Force and for this team as we bid farewell to one outstanding leader and welcome another," said McDew. "It is a privilege and a sacred trust that demands great commitment and even greater character."

Rupp expressed thanks to his teammates for the last two years, including those of the 184th Intelligence Wing and the 931st Air Refueling Group as he relinquished his command, coincidentally on his birthday.

"Traditionally on your birthday, it's a time where you're the receiver of gifts," said Rupp, "but it seems like today I'm actually giving something away."

He leaves the 22nd ARW after two years of managing the largest KC-135 Stratotanker wing in the world. He commanded more than 5,500 personnel and 63 aircraft.

During the ceremony, Rupp was awarded the Legion of Merit medal by McDew in recognition of outstanding service during his command.

Jackson, who has previously served as the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander in Southeast Asia, is a command pilot with more than 4,700 hours flown in the KC-10 Extender.

He has served in a variety of squadron, group and wing level positions, including tours on the Air Staff, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and U.S. Transportation Command.

"The next few years, some may say, will be challenging," said Jackson, "but when I see what McConnell Air Force Base has done, I know that you do not see challenges here; you see opportunities."

Taking the guidon from McDew, Jackson accepted the responsibility of command. He expressed his confidence that the total force Team McConnell was ready to go above and beyond in carrying out the mission.

"To be successful, we must put together a complete team effort," he said. "It's been shown that when the 22nd, the 931st, the 184th, and our community partners all pull together, McConnell can do anything."