New inspector general greets Airmen

KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- As the 123d Airlift Wing Inspector General, I intend to be the "eyes and ears" for the commander on matters that are indicative of systemic, morale, or other problems that impede efficiency and mission effectiveness.

My military career is quite varied starting upon being commissioned as a Marine officer upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy where I was the punter for the 1985 Navy football team.

I served 12 years on active duty as a Marine F/A-18 Hornet fighter and attack pilot. During those years, I deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm and graduated from Navy Fighter Weapons School.

My final tour on active duty was with the Canadian Air Force 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron. As the U.S. Marines exchange pilot, I served as the Weapons and Tactics Officer and deployed for combat again this time for Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia.

After Active Duty I moved to Kentucky and transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserves for another six years, commuting to Ft. Worth, Tex., where I served as Maintenance Commander for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112. I cross-commissioned to the 157th Air Operations Group, Missouri Air National Guard after 9/11.

Most recently, I transferred to the 123d Airlift Wing as the Wing Plans Officer and Exercise and Evaluation Team Chief. My hope is to function as the ombudsman, fact-finder and honest broker in the resolution of complaints. I also hope to educate and train our members on their rights and responsibilities in regard to the Air Force IG system.

In addition, my mission is to assist commanders in preventing, detecting, and correcting fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement. I look forward to serving you as your new Inspector General.