72nd OSS marks leadership change Published July 17, 2008 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Lt. Col. Jay "T.J." Stull succeeded Lt. Col. David Parr as the 72nd Operations Support Squadron commander in a change of command ceremony July 1. Approximately 100 people attended the event on the 72nd OSS flightline, behind Bldg. 240. "[Colonel Stull] is ideally suited to take over for Colonel Parr and not just keep things going, but be a springboard for greater excellence in the operational support squadron," said Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and installation commander, and presiding officer for the change of command ceremony. "Colonel Stull has the right pedigree for this command." Colonel Stull, who is originally from Ohio, is familiar with the Sooner state. From 1984 to 1989, while in the enlisted sector, he was stationed at Vance Air Force Base. In 1990, a year before he was commissioned a second lieutenant, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Phillips University in Enid. In the course of his 24-year career, Colonel Stull has primarily worked in air traffic control operations. He has managed airfields at five installations, plus has major command experience and completed 15 assignments. His most recent assignment was at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, as the director of Operations for the 15th Operations Support Squadron. Colonel Correll said he felt especially confident about his decision to hire the lieutenant colonel after he spoke with Colonel Stull's wing commander at Hickam AFB. "He related how Colonel Stull, as point man for Hickam's air show, had successfully negotiated with 13 different federal, state and local agencies to close down the water activities on Waikiki Beach so the Thunderbirds could safely conduct their show," Colonel Correll said. "I figured anyone who could convince Hawaii to close Waikiki Beach could handle the challenges of Tinker Air Force Base." Colonel Stull said he is equally ready to face Tinker's challenges and is excited to start his new position. "I know the challenge is going to be great, but working together with the (72nd OSS) Thunderhawks, I know we can see that great level of excellence," said Colonel Stull. "The next two years promise to pose new challenges as the Air Force continues to streamline operations, but working together I know we can meet that challenge head on." Colonel Parr, who is leaving Tinker to attend the National War College in Washington, D.C., received the Meritorious Service Medal and accolades during the ceremony. He was recognized for earning high scores on several inspections, completing the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century Green Belt training, and making organizational changes to the squadron to ensure the airfield was operational during poor weather. He also received a final salute from the 72nd OSS. "Dave is probably the most positive commander I've ever run across," Colonel Correll said. "I don't think in two years that I've seen him, I can remember one time when he wasn't smiling ... I determined it really was a situation in which we had a commander who loved what he did and loved the people he did it with every single day." Colonel Parr thanked several groups he worked with and for his overall experience at Tinker. "It is with mixed emotion that I relinquish command today," he said. "They told me the squadron command would be my best tour and that's definitely held true during this assignment. It's been an unforgettable two years and I'll miss every one of you."