Air Force Services Agency changes hands

  • Published
  • By Robert Goetz
  • 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Col. Sandra Adams assumed command of Headquarters Air Force Services Agency during a change-of-command ceremony May 12 at the officers club here.

Colonel Adams, who recently completed a six-month deployment to Afghanistan and served as the agency's director of programs for nearly a year, succeeds Col. Frederic Ryder who became commander in May 2007.

During her address, Colonel Adams stressed that under her leadership the services agency will continue to meet the demands of its wartime mission and will remain dedicated to the needs of Airmen and staff.

"Our attention must remain squarely on the needs and wants of Airmen and their families," she said. "We must also focus on our staff, providing opportunities for their growth."

Colonel Adams, who has more than 25 years experience in Air Forces Services, extended her appreciation to Colonel Ryder for his tutelage.

"Colonel Ryder, you have been my mentor and my friend, and I thank you for your wise counsel," she said.

Colonel Ryder, who was honored in a retirement ceremony preceding the change of command, said his leadership at the services agency represented "all he stood for" in nearly 30 years as an officer.

"Quite simply, this job has been the bomb for me," he said. "My challenge was to learn your name, smile at you and turn you loose. You did everything I asked you to do."

Colonel Ryder devoted much of his address to extolling the work of services personnel, telling them that what they do on a daily basis makes a difference.

The ceremony, which also featured performances by Tops in Blue vocalists, included remarks by Charles Milam, Air Force Services director. He noted some of the accomplishments of the agency under Colonel Ryder's leadership and said he has "always put Airmen and their families at the forefront."

"He (Colonel Ryder) said he was focused on the people," Mr. Milam said. "I would say he came through on his promise."

Mr. Milam said the new commander fully understands the complexity and scope of the Air Force Services Agency and how the agency must adapt to challenges and stay ahead of changing technology and concepts.

"Col. Sandy Adams has what it takes to lead you through these tough times," he said.

Colonel Adams, who was deployed as director of the Joint Visitors Bureau, Headquarters United States Forces Afghanistan, from October to April, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in September 1984.

The Chicago native has served as commander of the 366th Services Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; chief of the Programs Division, Directorate of Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott AFB, Ill.; and as assistant deputy for Force Support and Services, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Force Management Integration at Headquarters USAF.

Colonel Ryder has served as chief of two base-level services divisions; commanded the 8th Services Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, and the 375th Mission Support Group, Scott AFB, Ill.; and served as deputy commander, 48th MSG, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.

The Air Force Services Agency, which is composed of eight directorates, supports Air Force and Services leadership, major commands, field commanders and base-level force support units in accomplishing the greater Air Force mission and improving the quality of life for personnel and their families.