Tinker bids farewell to 'Col. J'

Published June 17, 2010
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Two years ago when Col. Allen Jamerson came to Tinker, it appeared to be business as usual. He pledged his best and set goals at his ceremonial change of command.
Then, something special happened. The colonel invested himself by personally interacting with Tinker employees and customers at all levels -- military from each service, civilians, contractors, retirees and family members. He was visible and engaged. He was no longer simply the new 72nd Air Base Wing and installation commander; he became "Colonel J."

This month, the beloved commander leaves Tinker to become the Air Force Materiel Command chief of staff at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

During his tenure, Colonel Jamerson fulfilled his duties and achieved his goals, but if you ask anyone he interacted with, he also left a positive mark, leaving Tinker better than he found it. Looking back on his experience, Colonel Jamerson said it has been worthwhile.

"It's been my honor to serve as the 72nd Air Base Wing commander and installation commander for such a great base," the colonel said. "There is truly a culture of teamwork at Tinker. When the chips are down, that team comes together to make sure this base is standing tall, ready to support our national security objectives."

Since calling Oklahoma home, Colonel Jamerson said he has gained a broader understanding of what AFMC does for the warfighter -- in terms of its ability to manage weapon systems from cradle to grave, programmed depot maintenance and repair for aging weapon systems and the acquisition process. He also has a greater appreciation for Tinker's associates and what the other major commands bring to the fight.

They too appreciate him.

"It was a pleasure working with Colonel Jamerson and the 72nd ABW team under his leadership," said Col. Pat Hoffman, 552nd Air Control Wing commander. "The AWACS mission in the 552nd ACW is a demanding, 24/7 operation with a busy daily E-3 flying schedule and E-3s on constant alert for homeland defense and presidential support taskings. Al always came through with the support the 552nd ACW and what our country needed."

In addition to overcoming traditional budget and manpower challenges, Colonel Jamerson has also had to fight Mother Nature as an ice storm, fire storm and blizzard bombarded Tinker and the surrounding communities. Yet, he said, it's Team Tinker that deserves the credit.

"I want to thank the Wildcatters for being the outstanding professionals that they are," he said. "It's indicative of the effort they put forth to keep this base running. They are always ready and willing to respond to any challenge that Tinker faces."

The colonel said one reason his team works as well as it does is because he sees it as just that: a team. He doesn't think of the team in terms of military, civilians and contractors.

"I've learned in the face of adversity, no matter what day-to-day challenges may come, great teams will come together and find a way to overcome the challenges," the colonel said. "Tinker is the most diverse and toughest installation in the United States Air Force."
And, it shows.

"The best leaders stay optimistic and upbeat, even under intense pressure, and that feeling, that true sense of 'together, we can accomplish anything' that Colonel J radiates, has been what drove us to new heights during his tour," said Col. Scott Merrell, 72nd ABW vice commander. "He's been a true mentor, coach, and collaborative leader at all levels for Tinker and the surrounding community, and he will be fondly remembered, and sorely missed."

Capt. Dwight Shepherd, commodore of the Navy's Strategic Communications Wing One at Tinker, agreed.

"The support, leadership and friendship given to the Navy on a daily basis by Colonel Jamerson and his 72nd ABW team are nothing less than phenomenal. His support of the 'Take Charge and Move Out' community and our mission had a direct impact on our success over the last couple of years," he said. "Colonel Jamerson lived 'Team Tinker' and will be missed. The Navy wishes him 'Fair Winds and Following Seas.'"

When the colonel wasn't battling Mother Nature, he's had a hand in attaining several notable achievements for the air base wing, OC-ALC and Tinker.

In November 2009, the air base wing contributed to the ALC's overall "excellent" rating on the operational readiness inspection. In March, Tinker welcomed the Logistics Compliance Assessment Team inspection. Comprised of approximately 70 personnel from Wright-Patterson AFB, and augmentees from other installations, the team examined Tinker's AFMC organizations, including the OC-ALC. The air logistics center scored an overall satisfactory mark. Tinker was also recognized as the AFMC commander-in-chief installation excellence award selectee two years in a row.

"Col J personifies leadership and the Air Force Core values. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him as a mentor and as our commander. He is blessed with a special talent and has been a positive influence on so many people on so many levels across the Air Base Wing and Tinker Air Force Base. Col Jamerson has been a noble commander and he will be missed dearly," said Bob Sandlin, 72nd Air Base Wing director of staff.

"Colonel Jamerson ranks at the top of my leadership chart," said Capt. Matthew Gross, 72nd ABW executive officer. "It is rare for someone to possess all of the necessary qualities to lead effectively and inspire others at the same time and then infuse them together in just the right mix for any given situation."

Master Sgt. Dana Reynolds, a career assistance advisor assigned to the 72nd Force Support Squadron, agreed.

"Colonel Jamerson has mastered the art of leadership. Because of his very personable interaction with the Airmen, he is able to influence them in a positive way to get the job done, no matter the requirement," he said. "He's the best commander I've ever had."
All in all, Colonel Jamerson will be missed.

"His outgoing personality and ability to care for others make him special in my book," said Chaniece Harkey, Colonel Jamerson's secretary. "Besides, after I was retired for six months, he asked me to come back to work for him. Now, who else but Colonel Jamerson would do something that neat? I will really miss him."