Air Force Honor Guard changes command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tim Chacon
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  U.S. Air Force Honor Guard members welcomed their new commander June 23rd during a change-of-command ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Lawn, on Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.

Lt. Col. Raymond M. Powell took the reins from Lt. Col. Anthony Taylor who relinquished command after nearly two years. During Colonel Taylor's tenure, the Honor Guard has helped welcome a new president, laid to rest another president, as well as the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force and hundreds of other American service men and women who served their country.

"The Airmen of the Honor Guard will continue to do well. This is what leadership is all about. The best leaders know how to do the right thing for the best outcome," said Colonel Taylor. "They never tire of doing good for their people and their organization. These Airmen have been good to me."

Colonel Taylor has earned the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal and many others.

He is departing the 11th Wing to serve as the deputy chief, inquiry division, Secretary of the Air Force, Legislative Liaison.

Colonel Powell comes to the 11th Wing from the Pentagon as the action officer on the Joint Staff, overseeing the development, governance and management of national command and control systems.

Colonel Powell entered the Air Force in August 1986 as a Vietnamese cryptologic linguist. He earned his commission in 1993. The lieutenant colonel has served at Clark Air Base, Philippines; Field Station Kunia, Hawaii; Kadena Air Force Base, Japan; and the Pentagon.

"I am keenly aware that the trust that has been placed in me must be earned daily and I fully intend to do so," said Colonel. Powell during the ceremony. "I am humbled and appreciative of the confidence."