72nd ABW commander proud of Team Tinker, wing Published June 25, 2013 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker lucked out. For two years, the 72nd Air Base Wing and former Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center benefitted from the leadership of an "incredible military officer," said Ross Marshall, Air Force Sustainment Center executive director. As Col. Steven Bleymaier, 72nd ABW and Tinker installation commander, prepares for his next assignment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, he reflected on his time here, while senior leaders praised him for a job well done. "When I think of Steve Bleymaier there are three things that come to mind. First, his success in orchestrating the stand-up of the sustainment center; Colonel Bleymaier put together and led an amazing team and the success we've had is in large part due to his getting us properly started," Mr. Marshall said. "Second, he's been a fantastic air base wing commander. Their motto, 'Count on Us' is echoed throughout the wing and every organization on this base knows they can count on the 72nd ABW. Third, Steve is a great family man. He is a wonderful example and we've been blessed to have him, Wendy, and their family here at Tinker." Col. Dean Prentice, 72nd Medical Group commander, agreed. "Colonel Bleymaier has been an advocate for all the units to provide service and care so everyone could 'Count on Us,'" he said. "That attitude matched well with the mission of the medical group, and we are grateful for his support of our clinic move, allowing us to change processes to provide better service and care, and the support to encourage all Team Tinker team members to a healthier living. He is a friend of the 72nd MDG." Colonel Bleymaier arrived at Tinker in July 2011 to first serve as the OC-ALC vice commander and director of Propulsion for the Air Force. In January 2012, he transitioned to lead the air base wing. Later this month, he will venture to become the deputy commander of Air Force Materiel Command Logistics, or A4. In two years, the colonel, a seasoned maintenance officer, said he learned a lot about depot maintenance and its mission. Yet, since transitioning to the air base wing, he's learned about teamwork and collaboration to making an installation with six wings and 45 tenant units operate as a cohesive entity. "Theoretically, no one's in charge," Colonel Bleymaier said with a laugh. "You have to work together as a team because none of those diverse organizations fall under the same chain of command. But, the Team Tinker team is the best in the Air Force." Within the air base wing itself, the colonel said he learned there is no challenge too big for his Airmen. Regardless if they face natural disasters, like the May tornadoes, or Department of Defense challenges like the furlough, budget cuts and sequestration, the air base wing will succeed. "These are the best Airmen, with a capital A, in the Air Force. They are capable of anything," the colonel said. "It's just a matter of giving them the vision and letting them run, because they are just an incredible team. "Even as I drive around the base I notice the changes and think about how it wasn't me pointing out everything and coming up with ways to make it better," he said. In one instance, an air base wing rapid improvement event team studied the 72nd Security Forces Squadron's defenders schedules and gate hours in order to make the squadron more effective. Upon completion, the team was able to take the defenders off of 12-hour shifts for the first time in years. This month is the one-year anniversary of that change, the colonel said. Chief Master Sgt. Brian Lavoie, 72nd A BW command chief, said Colonel Bleymaier has supported the Airmen in a superb manner. "Since my arrival I have witnessed Colonel Bleymaier go out of his way to engage Airmen about their thoughts and concerns and offer a pat on the back when he saw them doing something great. When Airmen were concerned about safety, he approved increased camera coverage in our dormitories. When our Airmen and their families were having difficult times, he encouraged our Air Force Resiliency training to help them learn ways of dealing with life's struggles. Every Airman on Tinker should know that our installation commander looked out for them. Every decision I saw him make always had a forethought of 'How with this impact our Airmen?'" Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, AFSC commander, said he's very proud of all the air base wing accomplishments during Colonel Bleymaier's tenure. "If you took a before and after snapshot of what has transpired over the last 18 months, it would be an incredible contrast. The standup of AFSC, dramatic improvements in energy use, new base security posture, support to Airmen, strengthening partnerships both on base and in the community, sequestration reductions, two presidential visits, and of course the tremendous response to the recent tornadoes are a just a few examples where his leadership made a tremendous difference," the general said. "We wish Steve, Wendy and the entire family all the best as they move to a challenging assignment at Wright-Patterson." Colonel Bleymaier said even after he leaves, he knows Team Tinker will continue to strive to reach their full potential. "No matter what you're faced with, do your best and have a positive attitude," he said. "If you can do those two things every day, you will be on your way." Colonel Bleymaier said he doesn't know when he or his family will return to Tinker, but would love the opportunity. "Home is where the Air Force sends you, but the thought of another opportunity at Tinker would thrill both my family and me," he said. "We're very thankful for our time here with the Tinker and Oklahoma family." In the meantime, the colonel and his family will be missed. "Team Tinker, the 72nd ABW, and the local community will miss Colonel Bleymaier," said Col. Stephen Wood, 72nd ABW vice commander. "His leadership and resolve enabled many successes, with his hallmark being continuous process improvement as the engine that drives efficient mission support within the air base wing. We could always count on Colonel Bleymaier to find a way to support the Airmen and the diverse missions of Tinker." Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Paul Sutter, 72nd ABW wing chaplain, said both Colonel and Mrs. Bleymaier were proactive supporters of Tinker's chaplain programs, particularly the pre-deployment retreats. "Colonel Bleymaier was willing to make tough funding commitments to ensure our program success," he said. "His commander's intent was always clear and he empowered us to creatively meet it. We will dearly miss him, Wendy and his family." Colonel Bleymaier's change of command is scheduled for 10 a.m. on June 27 at the Tinker Club.