From Droz to Reese: Robins Air Force Base welcomes new commander

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — The Air Force Base welcomed a new commander and said goodbye to another.

On July 6, a change of command ceremony was held, with Col. Deedrick L. Reese taking command of the 78th Air Base Wing over Lindsay C. Droz. This comes after Droz served two years as the 78th Air Base Wing commander.

Kara Droz, Lindsay Droz’s daughter, played the national anthem on electric guitar and Chaplain Christopher Reeder performed the invocation before remarks by Lt. Gen. Stacey T. Hawkins.

Hawkins honored his coworkers, in a heartfelt way, for their hard work and future endeavors. He took the time to mention continued growth on base, specifically software programs, which are expected to grow 4-8% each year.

Speaking about her time as commander, Droz said she learned to focus on the little things.

“The little things become big things and the big things become amazing things,” said Droz during her speech, offering an anecdote about how listening to one of her coworkers allowed him to work in the field he desired.

While congratulating Reese and thanking the base and Georgia for the experience she said, “There is no community like Middle Georgia.”

Then the formal change of command took place, where Reese and Droz stood face to face, exchanged a flag in a ceremonial gesture and saluted each other.

Reese took to the podium after the change, thanking his family and friends for supporting him. He also shared sentiments similar to his peers, desires to continue growing and improving Robins Air Force Base.

“To my new family… it truly is an honor to serve with you,” said Reese, who moved to Robins from Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Col. Reese graduated in 1999 from the Citadel, a prestigious military academy, with a degree in Business Administration. Immediately he was commissioned by the military and has since served in various special operations, mobility and fighter aircraft maintenance organizations.

Reese has a multitude of command experience, including being commander of the 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in New Mexico, commander of the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in Afghanistan, and more.

Serving for 24 years, he is well decorated. Among his awards are the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit.

Overall, the 78th Air Base Wing performs a variety of tasks. The 78th has a Mission Support Group, Civil Engineer Group, Medical Group and a Comptroller Squadron who provide financial services.

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