New 848th SCMG/CC excited about job Published Aug. 8, 2011 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The sheer size of Bldg. 3001 and vast mission of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center may scare away the less experienced. But, Col. Ray Mijares said he looks forward to learning how the center interlocks with his organization, the 848th Supply Chain Management Group. As the group's new commander, the colonel brings a wealth of knowledge from previous assignments, including his most recent as deputy chief of the Logistics Branch for the International Military Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, which will aid him here. "Tinker is quite unique compared to my other assignments," said Colonel Mijares. "I think being in this building and seeing the inner-workings is outstanding and it's a great opportunity just to see how a logistics center works. This is a new business for me and to see from a depot-level side how we get parts and pieces, I find it quite fascinating." The colonel arrived in mid-June and said he is also impressed by the 848th SCMG personnel and their dedication and motivation toward the mission. In fact, between his goals and their go-getter attitude, he said he may have found the recipe for success. "I plan to set realistic, yet tough goals and let the folks smarter than me figure out how to get there," the colonel said. "Fortunately, the 848th SCMG is blessed with tremendous talent. We have the seasoned experience and wisdom of veteran civilians, who have faithfully served for numerous years, blended with a group of highly motivated and energetic young adults, who will undoubtedly be the future senior and chief master sergeants, colonels, general schedule-14 and 15s. The talent pool to meet the challenge is definitely there. All we need to do is give them a target to hit." Colonel Mijares said his goal is simple -- to ensure the 848th SCMG supports the warfighter to the best of their ability and that the group's actions are legal, moral and can be bragged about to their grandmothers. Using also a logical problem solving approach of his engineering background and business perspective with experience from his NATO assignment, the colonel is sure to succeed. Gilbert Montoya, 448th Supply Chain Management Wing director, is certain of it. "Colonel Mijares is the right officer at the right time to take an already impressive 848th Supply Chain Management Group and help this organization deliver even better results," said Mr. Montoya. "The various assignments Colonel Mijares has held along with his can-do attitude will help the 848th exceed warfighter expectations while helping the Air Force meets its efficiency goals." Despite the colonel's rookie stature with the OC-ALC and depot business, he is no stranger to Oklahoma. In March 1988 to September 1991, Colonel Mijares was stationed at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. It was his first Air Force assignment and during that time, he served as the assistant chief of Logistics Plans for the 443rd Military Airlift Training Wing. He also became familiar with Oklahoma's capital city as he studied at Oklahoma City University and pursued a Master of Business Administration. He earned the degree in 1990. Though it's been 20 years since his last Oklahoma assignment, the colonel said he is clearly impressed by Tinker and the surrounding communities. "The base and surrounding community have well exceeded my expectations. My first impression of the base was nothing but superb," Colonel Mijares said. "The surrounding community has been equally amazing. The locals' support to the military is rivaled by few. The epitome of the locals' attitude towards the military is clearly demonstrated by the countless times I've been thanked for serving our country despite being here for only one month. We are truly blessed to be stationed here."