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Changes Continue at 158th FW as New Commander is Welcomed

158th Fighter Wing / Published January 05, 2020

The colors are presented by the Base Honor Guard at the start of a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing
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The colors are presented by the Base Honor Guard at the start of a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

The colors are presented by the Base Honor Guard at the start of a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing.
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The colors are presented by the Base Honor Guard at the start of a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik Jr. takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

Lt. Col. Michael Medas, a chaplain assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, delivers the benediction at the start of a change of command ceremony
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Lt. Col. Michael Medas, a chaplain assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, delivers the benediction at the start of a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, addresses an audience of 158th Fighter Wing members, friends, family and media personnel during a change of command ceremony
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Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, addresses an audience of 158th Fighter Wing members, friends, family and media personnel during a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik Jr. takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

158th Fighter Wing members, friends, family and media gather at a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing
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158th Fighter Wing members, friends, family and media gather at a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, thanks Col. David Smith for his leadership of the wing
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Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, thanks Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, for his leadership of the wing during a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, presents Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, the Legion of Merit for his leadership of the wing
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Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, presents Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, the Legion of Merit for his leadership of the wing during a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Chief Master Sgt. Darin Mauzy, wing command chief, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses wing members, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony
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Chief Master Sgt. Darin Mauzy, wing command chief, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses wing members, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik Jr. takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, congratulates and shakes hands with Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing
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Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, congratulates and shakes hands with Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, during a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik Jr. takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

Airmen assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing gather at a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing
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Airmen assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing gather at a change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik Jr. takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

Mr. Jack Russell, an honorary commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, is presented with the inaugural "True North" award
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Mr. Jack Russell, an honorary commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, is presented with the inaugural "True North" award established by the wing in the name of outgoing commander Col. David Smith, which will be presented yearly to a member demonstration exceptional leadership traits, during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses wing members, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony
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Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses wing members, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

The 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, renders a final salute to Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the wing, during a change of command ceremony
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The 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, renders a final salute to Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the wing, during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, renders a final salute to the Airmen of the Vermont Air National Guard during a change of command ceremony
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Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, renders a final salute to the Airmen of the Vermont Air National Guard during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik Jr. takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

The colors are presented by members of the Base Honor Guard to outgoing commander Col. David Smith during the change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing
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The colors are presented by members of the Base Honor Guard to outgoing commander Col. David Smith during the change of command ceremony for the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik Jr. takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, relinquishes command of the wing to Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight
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Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, relinquishes command of the wing to Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik Jr. takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, relinquishes command of the wing to Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight
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Col. David Smith, outgoing commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, relinquishes command of the wing to Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Col. David Shevchik takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Col. David Shevchik Jr., incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, takes the wing guidon from Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight
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Col. David Shevchik Jr., incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, takes the wing guidon from Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, symbolizing the assumption of command of the wing during a change of command ceremony, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Shevchik takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

Col. David Shevchik, incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, takes the wing guidon from Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight
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Col. David Shevchik, incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, takes the wing guidon from Army Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, symbolizing the assumption of command of the wing during a change of command ceremony, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Shevchik takes command of the wing from Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Col. David Shevchik, incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses wing members, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony
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Col. David Shevchik, incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses wing members, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Shevchik takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell)

Col. David Shevchik Jr., incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses Airmen, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony
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Col. David Shevchik Jr., incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses wing members, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Shevchik takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

Col. David Shevchik Jr., incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses Airmen, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony
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Col. David Shevchik Jr., incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, addresses Airmen, family and friends in attendance during a change of command ceremony for the wing, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Jan. 5, 2020. Shevchik takes command of the wing from Col. David Smith who is retiring after more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Miss Julie M. Shea)

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Vermont Air National Guard --

On Sunday, January 5, Airmen assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing welcomed their new wing commander, Col. David Shevchik Jr. during a change of command ceremony at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington, Vermont. Outgoing commander, Col. David Smith, retired after serving for more than 30 years in the Vermont Air National Guard.

“As the first Air National Guard F-35 wing commander, Smitty [Col. Smith] I truly don't have words that are sufficient to thank you for everything you've done for us, for our state and for our nation,” said Army Brig. Gen. Gregory Knight, adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, addressing Smith.

Incoming commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, Shevchik, proudly addressed an audience of nearly 1,000 Airmen, family, friends, and community members in his closing remarks.

“I couldn't be more proud to be in this with you and serve alongside you as your commander. To the 158th Fighter Wing team... there is no team that I would rather be facing the future with than you,” said Shevchik.