MADISON, Wis. --
In a Sept. 18 change of command ceremony here, Lt. Col. Erik Peterson assumed command of the 115th Operations Group from Col. Jeffrey Wiegand and Colonel Wiegand assumed command of the 115th Maintenance Group from Col. Patrick Volk.
Brig. Gen. Joseph Brandemuehl, 115th Fighter Wing commander, presided over the change of command. In his comments, he challenged the new commanders to continue to excel and improve the wing.
"These individuals here are more than ready to start writing the next chapter of the legacy of excellence for the 115th FW because that is the only way that this wing will achieve greater things than we have today," said General Brandemuehl.
As Colonel Peterson assumed command, he took a moment to speak about the Airmen he knows so well.
"This is the finest operations group I have ever had the opportunity to work with," said Colonel Peterson.
Colonel Peterson began his career in the U.S. Air Force and received his commission in 1991 after graduating from the USAF Academy. He is a command pilot with over 2100 hours. Colonel Peterson has experience in flight training, scheduling, safety, weapons and as a flight commander.
Colonel Wiegand spoke of the duty of Airmen to make the Air Force better and is pleased with the transfer of commands.
"I am excited to continue our integrated efforts to our mission and our commitment to excellence," said Colonel Wiegand. "I am honored for the opportunity to command the operations group, but more honored to transfer that command to Col. Peterson."
In 1989 Colonel Wiegand graduated from the USAF Academy. He is a command pilot with over 3400 logged hours. In 2004 Colonel Wiegand joined the ANG and deployed to the Iraqi theatre of operations six times. He has commanded the 176th Fighter Squadron and 115th Operations Group.
Colonel Volk, outgoing 115th Maintenance Group commander and current Vice Wing Commander, was appreciative of the Airmen in his prior command.
"It has been my privilege and honor working with (the maintenance group) and serving you as your commander," said Colonel Volk. "It has been the best job I have had in my 22-year career. Thank you all for giving me your best."
In a Sept. 18 change of command ceremony here, Lt. Col. Erik Peterson assumed command of the 115th Operations Group from Col. Jeffrey Wiegand and Colonel Wiegand assumed command of the 115th Maintenance Group from Col. Patrick Volk.
Brig. Gen. Joseph Brandemuehl, 115th Fighter Wing commander, presided over the change of command. In his comments, he challenged the new commanders to continue to excel and improve the wing.
"These individuals here are more than ready to start writing the next chapter of the legacy of excellence for the 115th FW because that is the only way that this wing will achieve greater things than we have today," said General Brandemuehl.
As Colonel Peterson assumed command, he took a moment to speak about the Airmen he knows so well.
"This is the finest operations group I have ever had the opportunity to work with," said Colonel Peterson.
Colonel Peterson began his career in the U.S. Air Force and received his commission in 1991 after graduating from the USAF Academy. He is a command pilot with over 2100 hours. Colonel Peterson has experience in flight training, scheduling, safety, weapons and as a flight commander.
Colonel Wiegand spoke of the duty of Airmen to make the Air Force better and is pleased with the transfer of commands.
"I am excited to continue our integrated efforts to our mission and our commitment to excellence," said Colonel Wiegand. "I am honored for the opportunity to command the operations group, but more honored to transfer that command to Col. Peterson."
In 1989 Colonel Wiegand graduated from the USAF Academy. He is a command pilot with over 3400 logged hours. In 2004 Colonel Wiegand joined the ANG and deployed to the Iraqi theatre of operations six times. He has commanded the 176th Fighter Squadron and 115th Operations Group.
Colonel Volk, outgoing 115th Maintenance Group commander and current Vice Wing Commander, was appreciative of the Airmen in his prior command.
"It has been my privilege and honor working with (the maintenance group) and serving you as your commander," said Colonel Volk. "It has been the best job I have had in my 22-year career. Thank you all for giving me your best."