Patriot Wing’s new commander: ‘Do the right thing, and do it right every time’

  • Published
  • By SrA. Monica Ricci
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  "I know there are questions out there about who I am and what I expect," said Col. Albert Lupenski, the 439th Airlift Wing's newest commander. "I have only one expectation: Do the right thing, and do it right every time."

Col. Lupenski's debut followed the Sept. 7 change of command, one of the military's most well-known traditions. To recognize the significance of this event, 750 Westover Airmen lined up in mass formation in the Base Hangar as the top leadership post of the Patriot Wing changed hands.

Brig. Gen. Steven Vautrain bid farewell to the wing and in turn, handed his duties as commander to Col. Lupenski. Brig. Gen. John Flournoy, 4th Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony.

Gen. Flournoy lauded Gen. Vautrain's success with family and friends gathered in front of the stage backdropped by an enormous American flag.

"I suspect the reason people said Steve walks on water ... is because of Katie, his family and close friends who were just beneath the surface holding him up," he said.

Gen. Vautrain, in parting, told his former command that he was next going to the Pentagon to serve as the deputy director of strategic planning for the Air Force. In his new position, he said he'd always look back at his time at Westover as the highlight of his career.
"It has been an honor to be your commander," he said.

And in a matter of a few minutes, another chapter of the Patriot Wing history began. The 14th commander stepped up to the microphone to address his Airmen for the first time.

Col. Lupenski said the Airmen at Westover are the experts he'll turn to for his success as the leader of the Patriot Wing. "I will break down every barrier that's in the way of executing the mission," he promised.