Vice commander departs wing to lead cadets

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Colonel Dan DeBree will perform his duties as the 4th Fighter Wing's vice commander for the last time June 12, but he'll continue to indirectly influence the wing in his new position.

As the University of Virginia ROTC detachment commander, Colonel DeBree will help mentor and develop the next generation of Air Force officers. It is very possible many of his future cadets will serve as officers here.

"I promise to the men and women of the 4th Fighter Wing that I will send them the best lieutenants that I possibly can," he said.

After 22 years of service - the last two spent here - Colonel DeBree said he is ready to serve primarily as a mentor.

"By this point in my career, I have definite beliefs on the way we should be as Airmen," he said. "I'm really looking forward to being able to pass them on to these young men and women before they become lieutenants."

One of his definite beliefs is related to the Air Force's high-tech culture. He said technology is important, but the Airmen who use it are more important.

"People make it happen. They either make it or break it," he said. "If they have a good attitude, a good work ethic and good core values, then they make it. If they don't, no amount of technology is going to help them."

Colonel Mark Kelly, 4th Fighter Wing commander, said his vice commander has been an insightful and formidable advisor since they served together as captains at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.K.

"Back then, he was a calm, competent force to be reckoned with - incredible in and out of the jet," Colonel Kelly said. "When he spoke, folks listened regardless of rank or Air Force specialty."

Fourteen years later, Colonel Kelly said his perspective has changed, but his opinions of Colonel DeBree have not.

"I still listen to Dan DeBree to do my best learning. He's still an incredible leader and he is still a force to be reckoned with," Colonel Kelly said. "Both as a friend and sage advisor, I will sorely miss having him around."

Colonel DeBree said there were many highlights from his time as vice commander here, especially his deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where he served as the vice commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. He also said serving with strong commanders such as Colonel Kelly and former wing commander Colonel Steve Kwast was a gratifying experience.

Colonel DeBree said it'll be tough leaving the wing.

"I think the 4th Fighter Wing is a special organization," he said, mentioning the wing's history, esprit de corps and its high quality of Airmen. "I will miss being a part of it."

Colonel DeBree said he is also grateful for the wing's neighbors in the local area.

"The support we get in Goldsboro is unprecedented," he said. "It's been a pleasure working with a community that has the same sense of service that we're used to in the military."