Flournoy takes command at Air Reserve Personnel Center

by Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett
ARPC Public Affairs

1/25/2013 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- Brig. Gen. John C. Flournoy, Jr., became commander of the Air Reserve Personnel Center here in a change of command ceremony Jan. 25.

Flournoy became the 32nd commander when he assumed command from Col. Patricia S. Blassie in a ceremony officiated by Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of the Air Force Reserve Command.

"Colonel Blassie, you experienced a lot of change during your tenure as commander -- from a physical move to Buckley AFB to huge leaps in the modernization of ARPC," Jackson said. "Thank you for your leadership and dedication to ARPC, and the incredible service you and ARPC provide for our Citizen Airmen."

Flournoy is the former 349th Air Mobility Wing commander at Travis AFB, Calif. Blassie is moving to Robins AFB, Ga., to become the chief of the Professional Development Center.

"Thank you, General Jackson, for the opportunity to lead such an incredibly accomplished organization," Flournoy said. "Team ARPC, thank you for your seamless service to all of our Airmen. I am honored to be your commander and stand with you: wingmen, leaders, warriors."

"To the men and women of ARPC: No matter what we faced, we stood strong together to accomplish our unique mission," Blassie said. "You are a magnificent team of professionals. The people who serve the people who serve. I am so tremendously proud to have served as your commander."

ARPC is responsible for personnel support to nearly 1 million Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and retired members, ensuring they are ready to deliver strategic Total Force war-fighting capability for the Air Force. From initial entry to retirement, the center provides world-class support for generations of Airmen throughout their military careers. The center is a direct reporting unit under AFRC.