SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Col. Gregory N. Schnulo, former director of staff, Ohio Joint Force Headquarters, Columbus, Ohio, took command of the 178th Fighter Wing in a formal ceremony Aug. 21, 2011, presided over by Brig. Gen. Mark E. Bartman, Ohio assistant adjutant general for Air.
Col. Harry M. "Mike" Roberts had been commander of the 178th Fighter Wing for the past 2 1/2 years. Roberts is set to retire from the Air National Guard Nov. 30, after more than 29 years of service.
"I want to say 'thank you' to each and every member of the 178th here for what you've done to make this a world-class organization," Roberts said.
Bartman, Maj. Gen. Deborah A. Ashenhurst, Ohio adjutant general, U.S. Rep. Steve Austria and State Sen. Chris Weidner addressed community leaders, Family, and 178th FW who were in attendance for the ceremony.
"I see more opportunities coming for the 178th, expanded missions for the 178th and the base, and for everything that is to come with our new mission," Ashenhurst said.
Schnulo started his Air Force career in 1981 as an enlisted avionics technician in the 910th Airlift Group, Air Force Reserve. In 1983, he transferred to the 121st Tactical Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, where he continued to serve as an aircraft mechanic.
In 1988, Schnulo earned his commission through the Academy of Military Science, an Air National Guard commissioning program, returning to Ohio as a navigator with the 160th Air Refueling Group. Throughout his career, Schnulo has served in various operations and logistics positions in two Ohio Air National Guard units and commanded the 121st Security Forces Squadron, from 2001 to 2007.
Schnulo shared a few thoughts with those in attendance.
"First, this wing is going to be more in the fight than it has ever been in the past," said Schnulo, who added that leadership will provide members everything needed to be successful in the new missions.
"Always remember this is the 178th," Schnulo said. "We're embarking on three missions basically, with the Recce Group, the Intel Group and the Support Group. It's going to be very easy for everybody to go divergent directions. We need to keep together. We're going to get through this together." |
