MCLAUGHLIN AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, W.Va. –
Lt. Col. David Lester relinquished command of the 130th Force Support Squadron (FSS) to Lt. Col. Christian Capece during a formal change of command ceremony held August 5, 2018, at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia.
Col. Rick Thomas, 130th Airlift Wing Mission Support Group Commander, presided over the ceremony. Special guests included Brig. Gen. Paige Hunter, West Virginia National Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Brig. Gen. Christopher Walker, Chief of Staff of the West Virginia Air National Guard, Col. Michael Cadle, 130th Airlift Wing Vice Commander, Chief Master Sgt. James Dixon, State Command Chief and Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Cecil, 130th Airlift Wing Command Chief.
“Lt. Col. Capece, your record speaks for itself and I can’t think of a better officer to lead the FSS on its mission,” said Thomas. “Your track record of excellence in the Marine Corps and here, mixed with your civilian experience embodies the leadership and commitment needed for this command, you have my full confidence and support.”
As Lester left, he thanked all the leadership present, and especially thanked the 130th AW Commander, Col. Johnny M. Ryan for his faith in leadership and bringing back pride and heritage to the Wing. Lester is set to retire in September.
Following the formal change of command and thanking the special guests, Capece gave the Wing members and FSS some encouraging words.
“I’m excited to be in this new office and doing the best I can to follow up on the recent success and improvements to this squadron,” explained Capece. “And all the support has been great, I’m completely humbled by how you all have greeted me as the new commander.”
Capece started his military career serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1997-2007 as a Marine Corps Officer and Judge Advocate, and joined the 130th Airlift Wing in 2008, where he had served as the 130th’s Staff Judge Advocate until moving to FSS.