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NEWS | Aug. 23, 2018

733rd MSG Commander Q&A

By Jennifer Spradlin 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

 

The 733rd Mission Support Group provides garrison support in crisis and emergency management, mail operations, installation and Rapid Port Opening Element support and exercise development to sustain 20,000 Army, Air Force and civilian personnel in accomplishing the Joint Base Langley-Eustis mission.

 

This is Col. Walkawciz's third command tour.  She joined the JBLE team in June after serving most recently at the Pentagon as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Army from 2016-2018.


1. Thanks for sitting down with us.  You have been in place for a little over 30 days, what are some of your priorities or focus areas as the 733rd Mission Support Group Commander?   


Now that I’ve been in command for almost two months, I can say with confidence that my top three priorities are relationships, readiness and resiliency.  For the first 60 days my priority has been building relationships with JBLE mission partners - as well as our Hampton Roads area community partners.  While this will always remain a top priority for me, I’m now shifting a lot of attention to readiness - ensuring that JBLE remains ready to support the deployment or training requirements of our mission partners.  And resiliency is something I care deeply about - the mental, physical and spiritual resiliency of JBLE Soldiers, Airmen, Civilians and Family members.  This category encompasses everything from fitness centers and pools, to outdoor recreation activities, to services offered by Army Community Services. 


 2. How would you describe your initial welcome to JBLE these first 30 days?

I could not have asked for a warmer welcome.  Although I’ve been here less than two months, I truly feel like part of the JBLE and Hampton Roads communities.  Everyone I’ve met has greeted me with a smile and a kind word, and is always willing to help me learn - whether it’s about the history of JBLE-Eustis, Air Force culture, or what to do on the weekends!


3. Fort Eustis recently conducted a weekend of 100th Anniversary events, what support highlights would you like to share in regards to making the events successful?   

 

This event would not have been successful without the entire JBLE community coming together to help out.  Being a new commander, it was inspiring to watch the teamwork and dedication of everyone involved,  but I’d like to give a special shout-out to the 633rd Force Support Squadron, the 733rd Security Forces Squadron, the 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office, as well as my Operations Section.  The members of those units pulled some very long hours planning, rehearsing and executing three major events within a 30-hour span of time.  Just amazing!


 4. Is this your first time being stationed in Hampton Roads? How do you like the Hampton Roads community?


I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been stationed here twice before - both times on the Southside at the Norfolk Naval Station.  This is my first time on this side of the bridge-tunnel, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.  The history of this area is incredible - from the Colonial Triangle to the military presence - and I love being so close to the water! 


5. Are you excited to empower and lead Soldiers, Airmen, and Civil Service partners over the course of your tenure? 

   

Absolutely!  The opportunity to command again at this level is exciting enough, but the opportunity to command an organization as unique as the 733rd Mission Support Group is truly special.  I love being a Soldier and leading Soldiers - but I’m really excited for the opportunity to lead this joint team of Soldiers, Airmen and Civilians.