Mission accomplished: Col. Vician moving on Published July 2, 2015 By John Parker Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The approximately 1,400 members of the 72nd Mission Support Group have succeeded in amazing ways during the last two years of changes and challenges, exiting Commander Col. Todd Vician said recently. "The people I've served alongside in the Mission Support Group really excel at what they do, which is serving people and making the mission happen," the colonel said. "I could give you countless examples of where we have come together as a team and figured out a way to do things better through continuous process improvement and have built relationships with the people that we serve so that we're able to do the mission better." Colonel Vician will relinquish command next week to become chief of staff for the 7th Air Force at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The colonel said Tinker AFB has been a "great place to serve." "The hospitality and the commitment to each other, both broadly in the community and on the base, are amazing. It's made for a great experience," he said. He and his family sunk roots in Oklahoma despite the short two-year assignment. His wife, Susan, worked at Midwest Regional Medical Center and led two book clubs, and both of their sons worked as roustabouts in the oil fields, one during college breaks and the other in between graduating from college and entering the Air Force. "We have really enjoyed connecting with friends at church, exploring Oklahoma City, and hiking through the state parks," said Colonel Vician. "We'll miss the people here; there's something special about Oklahomans." The 72nd MSG provides or oversees base services including security, dining facilities, logistics and personnel support, education, jet fueling, family support and more for thousands of active duty service members, their families, retirees and base organizations. Its total annual budget is approximately $33 million. Since the colonel's tenure began in July 2013, the 72nd MSG has faced budget and personnel reductions, including in Security Forces and Force Support. "Our manpower has certainly been less than many people were used to serving alongside in previous years," he said. "We focused a lot on improving the processes within the group and making long-term improvements rather than short-term improvements that weren't sustainable." Colonel Vician said returning Security Forces' shifts to eight hours from 12 was a "huge effort" successfully pulled off by those involved. "We also greatly adjusted the way we do security on the base," he said. "Most people don't understand the security challenges and the operations that we have here, but moving toward a risk-based, more mobile patrol system allows us to respond to and actually prevent some threats to the base." He also noted that the Personal Property Processing Office staff in the Logistics Readiness Squadron became the first Air Force Sustainment Center air base wing unit to implement the "Art of the Possible" efficiency techniques. He praised the success of "the things that make the Air Force a community," amenities such as the bowling alley, golf course, the Tinker Club, outdoor recreation and youth and children's programs. "The teams there have kept all of those activities profitable despite, in some cases, a dwindling market and a lot more competition over the past several years," Colonel Vician said. "They've really figured out what the community needs and wants and adjusted their operations to do that." The Logistics Readiness Squadron and contracting also teamed to rebid the base's supply and munitions contract, a move forecast to save nearly $1.5 million in fiscal year 2016, the colonel said. "Because people saw the opportunity to do it better than we were doing it before, those savings go right back to the Air Base Wing," he said. More important than the accomplish-ments, Colonel Vician said, are the organization's people who make the mission happen. He praised his staff for helping him and the group succeed. "I couldn't have asked for a better team to help me command and help the MSG achieve our goals. "The entire 1,400-strong MSG team is a group of professionals who work hard and enjoy working together," the colonel said. "As leaders, we can't lose sight of the people who work hard so other missions succeed. That's why we're here as an air base wing." "What I'm going to be most proud of is knowing that I've gained many friends and colleagues over the past two years who are going to continue the mission after I leave, and hopefully we will continue those friendships as well."