WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — On Sunday, a colonel in the Georgia Air National Guard made history as the first female wing commander of the 116th Air Control Wing.
During a ceremony at the Museum of Aviation, Colonel Ato Crumbly transferred command to Col. Amy Holbeck.
Holbeck enlisted in the air force back in 1997, and she got to Warner Robins in 2001 working with the JSTARS unit. In 2008, she transitioned to the Georgia Air National Guard with the 116th Air Control Wing.
Today, Holbeck says she feels humbled to continue serving our country in such a historic way.
"I love what I do, and I am always thankful for opportunities to lead folks, and I pray for Christians to be in leadership positions, and so I'm just honored to be that, and I wanted to continue to do that, as long as God and my superiors allow me to do that," Holbeck said.
State and local leaders came to celebrate including Governor Brian Kemp, Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms, and Perry Mayor Randall Walker.
During the program, Crumbly thanked everyone for their service while highlighting some of his achievements. Commander of the Georgia Air National Buard Thomas Grabowski also talked about the significance of today.
"While the fact that she is a female is interesting, it wasn't compelling in the decision-making process, she is taking control of this wing with 16 aircraft, at $366 million apiece, with 3,000 personnel, because she is the best person for the job," Grabowski said.
Holbeck added she is focused on her job at hand and is excited to be in this new position.
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