3rd Herd commander retires Published April 18, 2008 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Col. James Appleyard has spent the past 21 years focused on achieving nothing but the best for his Airmen. At 10 a.m. Monday, he will hand over his command. Colonel Appleyard has spent the last two years of his military career molding those he was commanding in the 3rd Combat Communications Group, also known as the 3rd Herd, and giving them the best resources he could. Originally from New Jersey and joining the military for no reason other than to further his college education, Colonel Appleyard never dreamed he would end up in Oklahoma. "It was in a unit almost exactly like this one and I fell in love with what our mission was and what we did for a living," he said. "It was very much a sense of accomplishment that has kept me in the Air Force." Colonel Appleyard said the Air Force has changed quite a bit since he first joined. "The kids and adults that are coming in today don't get the chance to have a slow and methodic ramp up like I did, it's instantaneous you're going to war," he said. Colonel Appleyard also said that he takes it personal getting his Airmen ready for war as well as getting their families ready and supplying all the resources they need to get prepared. If he could go back to his first few years as an Airman, Colonel Appleyard said he would have listened more closely to his senior noncommissioned officers, for their experience and knowledge is invaluable. "I give Airmen advice everyday, but the main focus point for a new Airman would be if they have family, get them situated, then get yourself situated. If its just you, take advantage of the education the Air Force offers you and constantly seek knowledge," said Colonel Appleyard. The colonel said that the Air Force has taught him great responsibilities. He noted that whether it's the youngest Airmen that you're giving a million dollar piece of gear to, to the young officers that are given the lives and that equipment there are huge responsibilities that are tasked. "I feel like my greatest accomplishment here I can say that the Herd's readiness, morale and camaraderie is up. That's not just me, it's just providing an environment for them to flourish," said Colonel Appleyard. Upon his official retirement ceremony, Colonel Appleyard said he plans to remain active in the Tinker community by visiting every so often but will truly miss the day-to-day activities with the Airmen. Colonel Appleyard's retirement ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Tinker Club Ballroom.