Volk Field gains new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrea F. Rhode
  • 115th Fighter Wing
VOLK FIELD -- --  Airmen, state leaders, family and friends attended the change of command ceremony at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, Aug. 13.

After three and one-half years, Col. David W. Romuald relinquished command of Volk Field -- which includes the Combat Readiness Training Center, the 128th Air Control Squadron, and the 126th Weather Flight -- to his successor, Col. David W. May.

"We've had the privilege of having colonel Romuald leading us for the last few years," said Maj. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar, Wisconsin's adjutant general. "As the commander, he has faced a lot of challenges with personnel and budget cuts, which affected a lot of people. People we care about. When things go bad, it takes a good leader to get his Airmen through it. He did an awesome job."

Dunbar showed appreciation for Romuald's accomplishments by shedding light on the importance of the CRTC.

"Most of us in this room appreciate what a wonderful training venue we have at Volk Field, not only Airmen from the 115th Fighter Wing or the 128th Refueling Wing, but our colleagues from across the nation who come here to train know its value too," he said. "We offer a great training venue that is second to none. It allows us to continually ensure we, as the Air National Guard, remain the Air Force's best wingman."

Romuald gave kudos to his Airmen for their hard work throughout the duration of his command.

"I'm competent that our CRTC is as good as it can be right now," Romuald said. "We're leaner, we're more capable, and our resiliency has been tested time and time again. We've had many accomplishments over the past three and a half years and it's a tribute to every one of you in this room who has helped me get the organization there."

Romuald's excitement about their accomplishments did not stop there. He also gave some insight on the adventures to come during May's command.

"We're going to have the best tactical airspace for training fourth and fifth [generation] fighters in the entire National Guard, and that's thanks to the hard work that we've put in," he said. "It's been an eight-year process and we're pushing it across the land right now."

Romuald then addressed May.

"Col. May, you are about to lead some of the finest Airmen in the Air National Guard," Romuald said. "I am confident under your leadership they will continue to excel."

As the ceremony drew to a close, May addressed his new Airmen.

"To the men and women of Volk Field, I am thrilled to be your commander," May said. "I'm anxious to get to know all of you, get to work, and begin the process of writing the next chapter of Volk Field together."