WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- “I feel like I’ve won the lottery,” incoming 439th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Jay Jensen told the assembled wing members after the troop commander gave the order for them to come to attention.
During a change of command on Sunday, March 6, Col. Jensen thanked Air Force Reserve brass for entrusting in him the leadership of proven champions.
“Westover is an award-winning team, but we’re in a business that does not allow us to rest on laurels,” new wing commander Col. Jay Jensen said to the troop mass, as well as distinguished visitors and family members in the audience. “I will communicate goals that will help all of you be successful, and I look forward to working with all of you in continuing the Westover legacy of greatness.”
Moments earlier, Maj. Gen. John Flournoy, Jr. presented Col. Jensen with the flag representing his ownership of the thousands of service members and civilians who make up the Patriot Wing.
“One team, no seam—we have a mission to serve here,” Maj. Gen. Flournoy said to the multi-service mass of troops, before thanking the long list of civic and community leaders in attendance, including a state senator and the host city mayor.
Col. Jensen acknowledged Brig. Gen. Al Lupenski’s work in fostering an impressive network of community support during his tenure at Westover.
"I’m so pleased to see so many civic leaders take the time on a weekend to come out here and to join us,” Col. Jensen said.
Brig. Gen. Lupenski, during brief remarks, reminded the Patriot Wing that everything excellent about the base, including the many awards won by its units and the relationship we maintain with communities outside of the gates, generate from the men and women who make up the Patriot Wing.
“You’re all a special breed and representatives of excellence,” he said. “When you drive onto the installation, what it says on the marquee as you enter the base—‘Leaders In Excellence’—it’s true!”
Col. Jensen said of Westover and its 2015 Raincross Trophy accomplishment, among the many other awards, was indeed impressive. “Some wings today are a step above the rest,” he said.
And then he pointed to three of his Air Force mentors—former wing commanders of the Patriot Wing—in setting his course as the newest commander of an award-winning team. He said it was an honor to follow in the footsteps of former commanders Maj. Gen. James Bankers, Maj. Gen. Martin Mazick, and Maj. Gen. Wallace W. Farris, Jr., all of whom were instrumental in his growth as an Air Force leader. “I hope I can learn as much as my mentors learned from Westover.”