Sunday, June 15, 2014

New commander takes the lead of Basic Military Training

by Mike Joseph
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs


6/11/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Air Force Basic Military Training welcomed a new commander Monday during a change of command ceremony at the Recruit and Family In-processing Information Center on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Col. Michele C. Edmondson assumed command of the 737th Training Group from Col. Deborah Liddick. Liddick spent the past 20 months as BMT commander and following the change of command ceremony, retired after 25 years in the Air Force.

Col. Mark Camerer, 37th Training Wing commander, was the ceremony's presiding official.

"It is a special day, a momentous occasion," Camerer said to the crowd, which included a 500-man BMT flight formation representing the group's nine squadrons and MTI Corps.

"Your efforts have laid the foundation of success for Colonel Edmondson as she takes command," Camerer said in remarks about Liddick. "Today we're (BMT) better off because of your service.

"You will walk away from here today without a title, but you will have something more valuable: You'll have a testimony of distinguished service."

To Edmondson, Camerer said, "You should savior this command. Treat every day, treat every minute, indeed treat every moment, as a precious gift. Your Airmen need your leadership, your mentorship and your guidance. I know you're well prepared."

Edmondson comes to JBSA-Lackland after serving the past two years as the 381st Training Group commander at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The 381st TRG provides initial training for the nation's space and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile operations and ICBM and air launched cruise missile maintenance forces.

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