McGuire assumes command of the 107th Mission Support Group

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Fravel
  • 107th Airlift Wing
Colonel Donald V. McGuire assumed command of the 107th Mission Support Group during an Assumption of Command ceremony held here Saturday February 8, 2014. He replaces former commander Col. Timothy G. Vaughan.

The ceremony was attended by members of the 107th Airlift Wing, representatives from the 914th AW, Headquarters New York Air National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, as well as family members and friends of Col. McGuire.

"I firmly believe Col. McGuire is the right man, at the right time for this job. I know he will safely and successfully lead the 107th Mission Support Group during his challenging tenure as we downsize and convert from the C-130 aircraft to the MQ-9 Predator," said Colonel John J. Higgins, Commander, 107th AW.

Col. McGuire began his Air Force career in 1983, enlisting as an Airfield Management Specialist serving at MacDill AFB, Florida. He soon joined the 107th AW via the Palace Chase program, beginning his ANG career here as an enlisted Command and Control Specialist. After graduating from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in English, Col. McGuire accepted a commission as second lieutenant with the 107th in 1995.

Col. McGuire has served in several capacities during his varied career. After attending Intelligence Officer Training at Goodfellow AFB, Texas, McGuire became a full time Intelligence Operations Specialist with the 107th. He then transitioned to serve as Commander of the 107th Comptroller Squadron, responsible for planning and directing all activities in the Comptroller functional area, and overseeing a budget of $40 million dollars before taking over as 107th Deputy Mission Support Group Commander in 2010, the position he most recently held.

"I know we have the right people in the right places to succeed and your leadership is ready to give you what you need to carry out your work. Thank you for your support in the past and I look forward to leading you in the future," said McGuire.