Air Guard Colonel Donald McGuire, a Lewiston Resident, Takes Command of 107th Mission Support Group

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Colonel Donald V. McGuire addresses members and guests of the 107th Mission Support Group during an Assumption of Command ceremony Feb. 8, 2014. (Senior Airman Daniel Fravel)

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, NY (02/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Colonel Donald V. McGuire, a Lewiston resident, assumed command of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Mission Support Group during an Assumption of Command ceremony held here Saturday February 8, 2014.

He replaces former commander Col. Timothy G. Vaughan, who has retired.

"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 Reaper," said Colonel John J. Higgins the Commander of the 107th Airlift Wing.

The 107th Airlift Wing has been flying the C-130 transport plane in partnership with the Air Force Reserve's 914th Airlift Wing but is slated to transition to a mission flying the remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper beginning later this year.

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.

McGuire, who grew up in Henrietta, N.Y. 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," McGuire said.

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