AFFOR CoC 2007

Lt. Col. Randy Vogel adresses his new troops during the Air Force Forces change of command ceremony June 15 here. Colonel Vogel takes command from Lt. Col. Thomas Griesbaum, who served as commander for the past year. The AFFOR mission to to provide air base support, including air traffic control, logistics, base civil engineering, fire department and personnel support. U.S. Air Force photo by Martin Chahin.

AFFOR CoC 2007

By accepting the 612th Air Base Squadron guidon from Col. Mark Mouw, 474th Operations Group commander, left, Lt. Col. Randy Vogel assumes command of Air Force Forces at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras June 15. Colonel Vogel was previously the 55th Wing director of staff at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. U.S. Air Force photo by Martin Chahin.

New leader takes charge of Air Force Forces

Published June 15, 2007
By Senior Airman Shaun Emery
Joint Task Force-Bravo public affairs

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- The Air Force Forces here held its change of command ceremony June 15, the third of five major supporting command leadership changes this month for Joint Task Force-Bravo.

Lt. Col. Randy Vogel assumed command from Lt. Col. Thomas Griesbaum during the ceremony at the Soto Cano Air Base fire station.

Colonel Vogel arrived from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., where he served as the 55th Wing director of staff.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to assume command here," said Colonel Vogel. "Walking around the base you can see the teamwork, professionalism and camaraderie in the members of Joint Task Force-Bravo."

Colonel Vogel received his commission through the University of Nebraska AFROTC program. He earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in Economics.

Colonel Vogel's awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal.

Colonel Griesbaum departs Soto Cano AB and is being assigned as chief of Flight Safety, Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott AFB, Ill.

The AFFOR mission is to Provide day or night all weather C-5 capable airfield, base operations support, air traffic control, weather, crash fire rescue, logistics and base civil engineers to support theater-wide USSOUTHCOM operations.

Additionally, AFFOR continues to expand its mission "outside the fence" by supporting JTF-Bravo's expanding mission.