Howard takes command of 375th Air Mobility Wing Published July 24, 2017 By By Senior Airman Tristin English 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Air Mobility Wing welcomed its new commander, Col. John Howard, during a change of command ceremony July 24 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Giovanni Tuck, 18th Air Force commander, accepted the guidon from Col. Laura Lenderman as she relinquished command and passed it on to Howard to mark the beginning of his command of the 375th AMW. Howard arrived here after serving as the vice commander for the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. In his first speech as the 375th AMW commander, he thanked his family and friends for their continued support, sacrifice and legacy of service. He and his wife, Dana, have two children, Kevin and Emily. “To the men and women of the 375th Air Mobility Wing, I look forward to working with you as well [our many mission partners] … I'm absolutely thrilled to be serving as your next commander. Dana, thank you for joining me on this adventure and providing support every step of the way. It's not easy being a military spouse, and I don't always do the best to recognize the sacrifices that families make, but you always make it look so easy. Thank you very, very much. Kevin, thank you for being a great son and embracing the unique life of growing up in the United States Air Force." He also recognized his parents, specifically his father, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army as an artillery officer for his advice and counsel throughout his career, and his father-in-law who passed away recently from cancer who was very much missed during this ceremony—the first absence in 20 years. He also recognized former mentors and commanders who influenced his path along the way, while also acknowledging the legacy of the former commander. "Laura, through your leadership and personal sacrifice, you have built a truly high performing team," said Howard. "Dana and I will do our best to continue to build on your successes." As the Air Force celebrates its 70th anniversary and Scott continues its celebration of its Centennial anniversary, Howard looks forward to working with and getting to know each and every Airman as they continue to extend the legacy of the great Airmen who came before them. "I want to highlight the men and women of the 375th Air Mobility Wing," said Howard. Lenderman will remain at Scott AFB to serve as deputy director for strategy, capabilities, policy and logistics at U.S. Transportation Command. "I’m truly grateful to have had the privilege to serve as the commander of AMC's showcase wing," said Lenderman. "As a 10 year old girl I remember watching the change of command ceremonies on this parade field, and I remember it … being filled with such pride. So you can only imagine what it's like to be here 36 years later, feeling truly blessed to have had the opportunity to lead the men and women of this wing. This has been a dream come true and the ride of a lifetime. Thank you for sharing it with me."