News

Newly selected 97th AS commander shares vision

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  For most of his career, Garin Tentschert has both led and learned by example.

After hearing he'll be taking the reins as 97th Airlift Squadron commander here, the lieutenant colonel plans on continuing that approach to take charge of the overall the manning, health, morale and discipline of the 100-person flying unit, after the squadron change of command, March 31, 2012.

"Based on his stellar record and recent performance as (446th Operations Support Flight) commander, I asked Tentschert to take the staff from Lt. Col. Scott Weichert (the out-going 97th AS/CC) as he pins on colonel and leaves the group," said Col. James Dignan, 446th Operations Group commander.

Tentschert says he's excited and up for the responsibility of filling Weichert's shoes.

"Scott did a great job," said Tentschert, a Maple Valley resident. "I had the privilege of watching and working with him in the squadron. Of course I have big shoes to fill. I intend to continue supporting and striving for mission success, but in order to do that effectively, it really means each member of the squadron being supported, challenged, rewarded, happy, and taking care of each other."

In order to achieve this goal, Tentschert says he'll have to keep his eyes and ears open and continue to be in learning mode for his term as commander.

"My vision is to really listen to what the squadron members have to say," said the former 446th Airlift Wing team chief in Air Mobility Command's Rodeo 2009. "They know what they're doing, so I have to empower them to do it."

After filling in as acting 97th AS commander in 2011, while Weichert was deployed, Tentschert feels it gave him a great head start.

"I'm very grateful for that opportunity, because it gave me a different perspective of how talented everybody in the squadron is," he said. "It clued me in on the amazing culture this particular squadron possesses. I got the rare opportunity to practice before the 'real' work begins."

Tentschert talks about leaving his mark for the better.

"I'd like to look back and be proud knowing I made a positive difference in people's lives and executed our mission to a level that would make our public proud," said the flight operations duty officer for Alaska Airlines. "I believe most of the public holds a special place for our military and appreciates what we do and realizes we do it for them."

Dignan stresses the perfect dilemma wing and operations group leadership faces when making selections for command positions.

"As we saw with our last squadron commander board and interviews, we had a very strong pool of applicants and the competition was tough for the positions," said Dignan, who lives in Gig Harbor. "It is a delicately coordinated movement to place our great wealth of talent where it is needed most. Obviously it is a good predicament to have ... a wealth of homegrown talent."

Tentschert appreciates making the cut and reminds himself why he continues to serve.

"I'm lucky ... extremely lucky and carry a pride and sentiment for this place and its people," he said. "I can't find a better group of professionals and just all around great folks, I enjoy being around. It's one of the primary reasons I'm still in the Air Force Reserve."