Col. Donnellan Assumes Command of the 124FW

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cassie Morlock
  • 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
BOISE, Idaho --  Col. Tim Donnellan assumed command of the 124th Fighter Wing from Col. Sherrie L. McCandless in a ceremony on June 7, at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Brig. Gen. Michael Nolan, assistant adjutant general, air commander Idaho Air National Guard, presided.

"It's the innate ability to rapidly earn trust, build a plan, communicate that plan and then successfully execute that plan all in a dynamic time constrained environment.  That's truly the gift that Col. Donnellan has."  Brig. Gen. Michael Nolan said.  "It's that same skill set that will insure the future success of the 124th Fighter Wing.  I couldn't be more excited to place you in command of the best wing in the Air National Guard.  Congratulations."

Col. Donnellan became the 16th wing commander of the 124th Fighter Wing.

"I promise to keep our Airmen first, our mission always with our eyes on the future, our commitment to the present, and to be ever mindful of the past."  Col. Donnellan said.
Donnellan thanked his "Partner, my best friend and my wife Sue, and our four amazing children.  You are the light in my eye, and the bounce in my step."

"To the men and women of the 124th Fighter Wing, it is with great humility and honor that I stand in front of you today, as one that has stood amongst you for so long," said Donnellan.

Donnellan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 2004--the eighth most prestigious medal any airman can receive, after being re-tasked in flight to provide close  air support for an isolated Special Forces convoy that was being fired upon by the enemy.  He and his wingman, Brig. Gen. Nolan quickly located the enemy positions and engaged them on five separate occasions at altitudes as low as 500 feet above ground level.

As he addressed the Airmen of the 124th Fighter Wing, Donnellan said, "Our future is bright because of all you have done, and everything you continue to do, and all we are going to do together.  We are the Guard. We are citizen Airmen and when we return from combat, our neighbors know us and they welcome us home."

"It is with unabashed enthusiasm and great humility to serve as your next fighter wing commander.  For all you have done, for all you are doing and for all you are about to do, I salute you."