SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 932nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron (ASTS) bid farewell to Col. Caleb King, the 932nd ASTS commander since 2018, who retired and concluded his last day in the 932 Airlift Wing on March 6 of the unit training assembly.
Although the 932nd ASTS spent the March UTA celebrating the leadership and career of Col. King, they also celebrated the recent news the squadron was recently recognized as the 2021 Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding Reserve Medical Unit without a Physical Exam Package.
King reflected on the reason his squadron earned this distinctive honor.
“The hard work and dedication of our members, not just to the mission but to each other as well. We work together, we play together, we are a family. Nothing we have done has been for the sake of recognition, but rather the number one core value… ‘Excellence in all we do,’” said King. “Our members give their all every time they show up, whether for training events or CBTs (Computer-Based Training); they get the job done. Being recognized for what we do is a bonus.”
As the 932nd ASTS commander for four years, King managed over 100 personnel, producing resilient, combat-ready Airmen who led the way in land to air care of all service members, as well as executed the duties assigned by in-theater combatant commanders. As a result, the focus on members’ well-being and training were top priorities.
“It is also the squadron’s responsibility to mentor members and empower them to become tomorrow’s leaders who will continue the success not just of the ASTS, but the Air Force as a whole,” he added.
King performed all 37 years of his Air Force career in the AF Reserve, beginning his career as an enlisted medical technician.
As an enlisted medical technician, he served at Andrews AFB, Md. in 1984 but subsequently served as enlisted infantry in the Washington, D.C. Army National Guard.
After his National Guard service, he served as an Air Force Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer, assigned to the 459th ASTS, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
As King closed out the final day of the last UTA of his AF Reserve career, he remembers his favorite aspects of the 932nd AW and what he will miss about the wing.
“Each time I came to Wing building for any type of the service or information, the personnel at the Wing building were always courteous and professional,” he added. “And I will miss those interactions that really made me feel part of the 932nd AW family.”
King looks forward to continuing his full-time civilian career as the manager of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information technology contract.
932nd AW leadership also reflected on King’s years of service, leadership and mentorship.
“No matter the challenge, Col. King always demonstrated a calm leadership demeanor. His sage advice and counsel was instrumental in the 932nd AW’s successful navigation of the COVID-19 contested environment….all while ensuring unrivaled, combat ready Citizen Airmen,” said Col. Chad Biehl, 932nd AW vice commander. “He is the one of the finest officers I have ever worked with, and his leadership will be sorely missed. My deepest gratitude and appreciation to him and his family for 37 years of selfless service to our nation.”