Grand Forks wing welcomes new commander

Published Nov. 13, 2009
By 2nd Lt. Anastasia Wasem
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Warriors of the North welcomed their new commander during a change-of-command ceremony Nov. 13 at 3:19 p.m.

Col. Donald L. Shaffer took command from Col. John E. Michel, who relinquished command of the 319th Air Refueling Wing after 16 months.

"I'm thrilled to be here. I'm very excited to be your wing commander," said Colonel Shaffer at the change of command ceremony. "What I've experienced in the short time I've been here has solidified everything I've been told about Grand Forks Air Force Base."

Colonel Shaffer comes to Grand Forks Air Force Base from Charleston AFB, S.C., where he served as the 437th Airlift Wing vice commander. The 437th AW provides America sustained combat delivery via 24-hour airland, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed special operations missions in support of global combat operations, contingencies and humanitarian relief efforts.

He received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1987. He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs and National Security and three master's degrees.

Colonel Shaffer earned his pilot wings in 1988 and has more than 3,700 hours in the C-17A, C-141B, T-38A and T-37B.

Colonel Shaffer's previous assignments include tours at Columbus AFB, Miss.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Maxwell AFB, Ala.; Norfolk, Va., and Charleston, S.C.

He has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal, among others.

Colonel Michel is departing the 319th ARW for Air Mobility Command Headquarters at Scott AFB, Ill to serve as the AMC commander's executive officer.