MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 
Lt. Col. Deborah Balentine relinquished command of the 184th Force Support Squadron to Maj. Linda Baggett during a change of command ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 1.
The presiding officer for the event was Col. Joe Dessenberger, commander, 184th Mission Support Group.
“Today we celebrate the successful completion of a command tour for Lt. Col. Deborah Balentine, and we also celebrate the beginning of a command tour for Maj. Linda Baggett,” said Dessenberger.
Balentine has commanded the 184th FSS since January 2018.
“Throughout her command tour Lt. Col. Deborah Balentine was the epitome of a successful commander,” said Dessenberger. “She has been sharp, forward-leaning, focused, and in particular, ready to engage. She has elevated expectations for her organization, and pushed every member to grow both, as an individual, and as a professional. Lt. Col. Balentine leaves a legacy of achievements in her path.”
Balentine will spend the next few months helping the wing during the mid-point Unit Effectiveness inspection. She plans to retire from the military later this year.
“Commanding the 184th Force Support Squadron has been an absolute highlight in my 25 years of service,” said Balentine. “The dedication, professionalism, resiliency and intelligence I’ve witness while in command has been inspiring. Thank you to all the members of the 184th FSS for trusting in me when I asked you to give me your best. It has been my honor to be your commander.”
Baggett joined the 184th Wing in 2015 after serving in the Air Force and the 190th Air Refueling Wing in Topeka.
“Maj. Baggett has earned this day consistently over the past several years,” said Dessenberger. “She has never shied away from accepting the toughest task, and has always excelled at every opportunity.”
“The best part about Maj. Baggett, is that it’s never about her,” he continued. “It’s always about doing the right thing and taking care of the people around her. She’s a leader who won’t quit. She sees no job being outside her abilities or below her standards, and she’s always willing to find a way to get it done successfully.”
Baggett has worked in the 184th Wing’s Headquarters and in the 184th Logistics Readiness Squadron. She has been an active member in the wing while serving on several committees and planning multiple unit events.
“To the Logistics Readiness Squadron, I’ve appreciated our time together,” said Baggett. “You have displayed professionalism and outstanding support to the wing, day in and day out, and I’m so proud to have been part of that in LRS.”
“To the members of the Force Support Squadron,” she continued, “I’m honored to take command of an outstanding squadron with many accolades under your belt. I can’t wait to get to know you and your families, and to part of such an amazing squadron. I’m looking forward to the future, and bring this squadron to even greater heights as the heart of the wing.”
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