MSG commander retires Published Jan. 4, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jessica D. Keith 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- -- Mission supports ... freedom! The battle cry for the 17th Mission Support Group is one of the many things Col. Guy Parker, 17th Mission Support Group Commander, will be remembered for following his retirement Dec. 20 at the Event Center here. The colonel was commissioned in 1986 when he graduated with honors from Delta State University in Cleveland. He has multiple degrees, including three master's and he is also the recipient of numerous military awards, including a Bronze Star. He has spent the last two years here, serving as a group commander responsible for more than 1,000 military and civilian personnel. Among his other contributions to the base, Colonel Parker instituted a new battle cry for the MSG. He said he created the uplifting cry to boost morale within his command and to emphasize what all American servicemembers represent- freedom. Colonel Parker said one of the things he will miss the most is the camaraderie that is prevalent throughout the military. "Everyday we are embraced by our military family," he said." We become as close to each other as we are to our blood kin." He said he will also miss the Air Force pride. "Airmen take pride in knowing we serve something bigger than ourselves," he said. "We each play a key role in the performance of the world's most powerful, and feared, military machine." Col. Paul Bugenske, the Director of Contracting at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., will assume command of the MSG. He has not been released from his current assignment and is projected to arrive here in early February.
