31st Mission Support Group welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The men and women of the 31st Mission Support Group welcomed their new commander March 11 during a change-of-command ceremony at the Personnel Alert Holding Area at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

Col. Brian D. Pukall takes the reins from Col. Brian T. Kelly, who relinquished command after nearly two years of service to the 31st Fighter Wing.

"I am privileged to now be part of such a tremendous team," said Colonel Pukall during his speech at the ceremony. "I am dedicated to serving you and look forward to working with you and for you as we continue to commit ourselves to improving the group everyday."

Brig. Gen. C. Q. Brown, Jr., 31st FW commander, presided over the ceremony, welcoming Colonel Pukall and bidding farewell to Colonel Kelly.

"Colonel Pukall has a record of proven performance and the accolades to match," General Brown said. "I have no doubt that under the leadership of Colonel Pukall, the 31st MSG will continue the trend of exceptional results that they've enjoyed under Colonel Kelly."

Colonel Pukall comes to Aviano from Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, where he served as executive officer to the commander.

The North Dakota State University graduate received his commission into the Air Force in 1992 after participating in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and obtaining a bachelor of arts in mathematics. He has since served the Air Force as a weather officer.

Some of the colonel's previous assignments include tours at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.; Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom; Headquarters U.S. Southern Command, Miami; Sembach Air Base, Germany; Maxwell Air Base, Ala.; as well as being previously assigned at Aviano.

Colonel Kelly is leaving Aviano to assume command of the 501st Combat Support Wing at Royal Air Force Alconbury, United Kingdom. During his tenure here, the colonel has led the 31st Fighter Wing's most diverse group of 2,400 Airmen in six squadrons.

"To the men and women of the 31st Mission Support Group, what else can I say but 'Thank you,'" Colonel Kelly said during his farewell speech. "You have answered every call and responded to every challenge that came your way. You played your part on this magnificent 31st FW team like superstars, and played like champions every day."