Hopkins promotes to Col, assumes command of 927 ASTS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Adam C. Borgman
  • 927 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. Gary Hopkins assumed command of the 927th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at an assumption of command ceremony April 2, here.

The ceremony opened with the arrival of the official party, Col. Randy Bright the 927th Air Refueling Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Mike Klasutis, 927 ARW command chief and Hopkins.

Master Sgt. Brad Clark from the 927 ASTS, sang the National Anthem and the colors were posted by the 927 ARW Color Guard Team.

Bright spoke of how grateful he is to have Hopkins on board officially as the ASTS commander.  Hopkins served as the interim commander for ASTS until he officially took command Saturday morning.
Hopkins assumed command with the passing of the flag and then spoke of his new assignment.
Prior to the assumption of command portion of the ceremony, pinned on by his mother-in-law, daughters and wife, Hopkins was promoted to the rank of Colonel.

He thanked Bright for the opportunity to continue to lead the 927 ASTS, and gave an emotional and heart-felt speech that honored his wife and daughters for their support and love throughout his career.

"This moment is not about me," said Hopkins. "This is the moment where we will continue to do what we do, I have to thank all of you in my life, if I come home to you, if I work for you or you work for me we are one team."