New Squadron Commander brings life of dedication to 44th Fighter Group

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Martha Whipple
  • 301st Figher Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AFB, NM --  The 301st Fighter Squadron members welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, NM, August 7.

Lt. Col. Robert Buchanan accepted the ceremonial flag of the historic 301st FS which boasts the heritage and legacy of the famed "Tuskegee Airmen." His long-time friend, Lt. Col. Kent Furman, relinquished command of the squadron and will move to the 44th Fighter Group.

Buchanan and Furman have had similar career paths. They both served as airline pilots for United Airlines and both felt motivated to serve their country as more than a traditional reservist after September 11, 2001, said Lt. Col. Scott Crogg, 44th Fighter Group commander, who presided over the ceremony.

"While I was escorting Air Force One around the country on September 11, these guys were volunteering to defend our country from the desert," Crogg said. "Both headed to Kuwait standing ready for any mission, and both were there when the first bombs were dropped."

They honed their skills as F-22 pilots and gained experience as leaders, which makes both of them perfect for the job, Crogg said. All three of the lieutenant colonels have been associated with the 44th FG since the early stages in 2008. While it may seem like the unit is rotating personnel, the pool of skilled F-22 leaders is not deep, and the unit is lucky to keep two exceptional leaders, Crogg said.

"Buchanan is a two-for-one deal," Crogg said. "He and his wife, Senior Master Sgt. Erin Buchanan, epitomize volunteerism and leadership. Both have raised their hands to support overseas missions and both are assets to the unit."

Buchanan is eager to take the helm and seamlessly pick up where Furman left off. His message to the squadron was to take care of family first and support the mission when the time is right.

"I can't keep three wives happy," he said. He was referring to his "three wives" as his wedded wife, his United Airlines job and his Reserve career. "Taking care of our families at home is just as important as taking care of the mission and taking care of our Reserve family. If we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of our mission."

The Reserve family trains and deploys together as one team and one family, he said. He commended his family's love and support, and commended the unit that he stands behind.

Furman also commented on the importance of taking care of family. He imparted two bits of wisdom to the unit, "balance your family at home" and "communication is the key to success."

"In 23 years of service, I have missed birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and special events," he said. "My marriage almost didn't survive. I volunteered to serve downrange, to move my family, and to work late hours. I am a fighter pilot - that's what I do... or so I thought. Nothing is superior to family."

The heart-felt message was a lesson of his experiences and urges Reservists not to make the same mistakes he did. Balancing career, Reserve and family was the main message of both leaders.

Furman's second bit of wisdom was communication and how important communication is with our unit's unique integration with the active duty. And also for each Reservist to communicate with his or her supervisor to keep the mission, family and civilian job balanced.

"Total Force Integration is like an arranged marriage," he said. "What we have... is by far the best thing going, but still, it's an arranged marriage. In any marriage, communication is the key in the long run success."

All three leaders promised their support to Airmen, their families and the mission. They are all moving in the same direction and are a part of the success of the unit. The three lieutenant colonels experienced the same mentoring, "failure is not an option," Crogg said. He also passed on advice from one of his mentors: "I never said it would be easy. If it was easy anyone could do it."