72nd ABW will miss vice commander Published June 5, 2009 By Howdy Stout Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Col. Mona Lisa Tucker left Tinker Air Force Base this week to take up duties as director of communications and information for the Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The move returns Colonel Tucker to her career field of communications and information after serving for two years as the 72nd Air Base Wing vice commander. Her previous posting was as commander of the 8th Mission Support Group at Kunsan Air Base, Korea. "I'm looking forward to new challenges and making a difference," she said. "I think I've made a difference here. But now, it's time for someone else to take up the torch." Her successor, Col. Scott C. Merrell, is also a communications and information specialist. During Colonel Merrell's previous assignment he served as the chairman of the Communications and Information Panel and as deputy director of the Resources Division in the Office of Warfighting Integration. He was also the chief information officer for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. As vice commander, Colonel Tucker directly oversaw several groups and directorates. "Colonel Tucker has been a great partner to me and the Tinker family. I had 100 percent confidence in her ability to lead the ABW during my absence.... She absolutely nailed her role as the ABW Vice and will be a tremendous asset to AETC as their A6. She will be dearly missed across Tinker AFB," said Col. Allen Jamerson, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander. Col. Tucker said her time at Tinker was challenging due to the often-competing needs of units on base. Tinker is home to one of the largest Air Logistics Centers and seven air wings, more than any other Air Force base. "The main challenge is you have limited resources with both personnel and money," Colonel Tucker said. "It can be difficult; at least challenging." But meeting those challenges, she added, provided good experience and a broader view. "This was a good experience because of the breadth of work," Colonel Tucker said. "It gives you a different perspective." Being at Tinker provided Colonel Tucker with a chance to see up close the Air Force's civilian workforce in action. She also praised the widespread community support for the base. "By far, this community has been the most supportive of any I've ever been in," she said. Colonel Tucker said she also appreciated the support provided by Col. Allen Jamerson, the current 72nd ABW commander, and his predecessor, Col. Mark Correll. "They really treated me as a partner and allowed me to take the lead on some things," she said. Marking her 14th permanent changes of station in her 24-year Air Force career, Col. Tucker said the best part of any posting has been the people she's met and the friendships formed. "It's always the people," she said. "I've met some fantastic people here. I've made some good friends." Those who worked closely with Colonel Tucker during her two year stay will miss her. "She has been a great leader and a fine example for everyone across Tinker AFB. She always made well thought-out decisions and maintained her composure during stressful situations which had a calming effect on everyone around her. I admired her taking advantage of every opportunity to give advice and mentor junior officer and enlisted members. We will sincerely miss Colonel Tucker," said Bob Sandlin, 72nd Air Base Wing director of staff. What won't Col. Tucker miss about Tinker and Oklahoma? "I won't miss the weather," she said.