72nd MSG/CC bids farewell to Tinker Published July 19, 2011 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In two years here, Col. Herb Wesselman said Tinker has given him an extraordinary gift and he can't thank his personnel enough. As the 72nd Mission Support Group commander, Colonel Wesselman said he made decisions, but it was his personnel who pulled off the remarkable feats. The group did more than make him proud; they also prepared him for his next assignment at the Air Mobility Command Headquarters' Communications organization at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., working with the Mobility Air Forces Infrastructure. "As a young officer, I never thought I'd be responsible for such things as child development centers, dining facilities, fueling jets, securing the installation and honoring fallen Airmen. This command tour gave me a true appreciation for the phrase 'cradle to grave,'" said Colonel Wesselman. "I'm most proud of the fact that the MSG team never quit no matter how tough it got. I couldn't ask for more." Colonel Wesselman arrived at Tinker in July 2009 from Fort Lesley J. McNair, an Army base in Washington, D.C., where he was the director of communications and information for the joint force headquarters at the national capital region. In his 25-year Air Force career, Colonel Wesselman has held several communication and information assignments that often led to leadership positions. Here, the colonel said he faced several challenges, among the most testing was the near closing of the Vanwey Dining Facility. It had been reported the dining facility would close Oct. 1, 2010, as a result of budget cuts. In mid-July last year, the decision was reversed. "Literally, I was horrified because the decision to pull the money from the dining facility came as a surprise," the colonel said. "We were not expecting that to come out in the initial budget build and when it came out, it was already done." Colonel Wesselman said he was not ready to give up and asked other senior leadership officials to engage with Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters personnel to change the decision. "We wanted them to realize it was a bad decision, not only for Tinker, but for the Air Force," Colonel Wesselman said. "We had all the data to back it up and as a result, we got the money back." Col. Bob LaBrutta, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, said he's not surprised by Colonel Wesselman's perseverance. It is just one quality that makes him a fine leader who will be missed. "Colonel Wesselman is a superb officer who has done a very good job in taking care of the mission and our people," said Colonel LaBrutta. "Herb's primary responsibilities revolved around providing for the security and protection of the installation and our critical resources and he was also charged with the care and welfare of our family members. In each part of his vast portfolio, the 72nd Mission Support Group moved the ball down the field and not only enhanced our mission capability, but improved the quality of life for those of us who are lucky enough to work, live and play at Tinker! "Some of his most notable accomplishments included deploying 5,300 members and 2,500 short tons of cargo down range in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom and Operation Odyssey Dawn," Colonel LaBrutta said. "Herb championed Tinker Air Force Base's Active Shooter Working Group that developed comprehensive plans for mitigating and suppressing an active shooter should an incident occur on base. Finally, he spearheaded the Air Force's No. 1 DePLAYment program, securing $223,000 in Year of the Air Force Family funds that directly benefited 895 Tinker family members. We will certainly miss Herb, his wonderful spouse Virginia and their children Krysta and Stephen as they head to Scott AFB. We thank them for their hard work and service, and wish them all the best in the future!" Colonel Wesselman's change of command is scheduled for 9 a.m., July 20 at the Tinker Club. For more information, call 739-2856.