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Wing command chief passes sword

By Senior Airman Kyle Russell, 115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published February 08, 2016

Col. Jeffrey Wiegand, 115th Fighter Wing commander, passes the sword to Chief Master Sgt. James C. McKay, III, 115 FW command chief, during the change of authority ceremony in Hangar 406 Feb. 7, 2016. McKay took over command from Chief Master Sgt. Thomas J. Safer, now the state command chief. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Kyle Russell)
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Col. Jeffrey Wiegand, 115th Fighter Wing commander, passes the sword to Chief Master Sgt. James C. McKay, III, 115 FW command chief, during the change of authority ceremony in Hangar 406 Feb. 7, 2016. McKay took over command from Chief Master Sgt. Thomas J. Safer, now the state command chief. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Kyle Russell)

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MADISON, Wis. -- Airmen of the 115th Fighter Wing attended the Wing command chief change of authority in Hangar 406 on Feb. 7.

During the change of authority ceremony, Chief Master Sergeant Thomas J. Safer relinquished authority as the command chief of the 115 FW to Chief Master Sergeant James C. McKay, III.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Airmen of the 115th Fighter Wing and there will always be a special place in my heart for this outstanding organization," Safer said.

According to Col. Jeffrey Wiegand, 115 FW commander, Safer passionately dedicated almost three years as command chief of the 115 FW.

"It has been the most rewarding experience of my career," Safer said.

He went on to provide advice to those in attendance.

"Be prepared, embrace new challenges, and get out of your comfort zone," Safer said.

Following Safer's speech, he relinquished command, and Airmen watched as Wiegand transferred the sword from Safer to McKay.

With more than 30 years of military service, seven years in the Army National Guard and 23 with the 115 FW in the communications shop, he's eager to embrace the new challenge, he said.

McKay spoke about the importance and emphasis that needs to be placed on training and mentoring, timely and constructive feedback, and recognizing accomplishments.

"I look forward to working with all of you and hearing your stories," McKay said. "It is all of you who will help to shape our future. I look forward to serving as your new command chief."
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