Published: July 21, 2008 10:09 am            

Tinker changes its command

Tradition prevailed at Tinker on July 18 as a 72d Air Base Wing Change of Command ceremony, a 200-year-old event, was held. During this ceremony, Col. Mark Correll relinquished command to Col. Allen Jamerson. Maj. Gen. Loren Reno presided over the ceremony.

“Today is a time of tradition. It is a time of nostalgia for the Corrells and it is a time of anticipation for the Jamersons,” Reno said in his remarks. He followed by telling of Correll’s accomplishments on base as the 72nd Air Base Wing and Installation Commander. Correll will be moving to the Randolph Air Force Base in Texas to serve in the Civil Engineer Headquarters Air Education and Training Command. He was commissioned through the United States Air Force Academy in 1981 after receiving a degree in civil engineering. He came to Tinker in July 2004. His major awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

“He’s been a leader whose results may outlive his memory,” stated Reno.

Reno then went on to speak of Jamerson.

“Col. Jamerson’s record is one of integrity, of service and excellence,” Reno commented. Jamerson has come to Tinker from Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama where Jamerson served as Vice Commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing. He entered the Air Force in 1986 after his graduation from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. His major awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, the 2005 National Reconnaissance Office Gold Medal, the 2004 National Reconnaissance Office Director’s Circle Award and the 2001 AFMC Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award - Field Grade Category.

Following Reno’s remarks, Correll was presented with a medal for his service. He then made his final remarks where he listed four reasons why he felt blessed to have served at Tinker Air Force Base - the outstanding leadership, the nationally recognized base, the supportive community and the men and women at Tinker.

The change of command ceremony occurred next in which Jamerson officially took control of the unit.

Jamerson took the podium next and thanked those who have helped him achieve his goals.

The service concluded with the singing of the Air Force Song and the departure of the official party.

        

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