GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — The Goodfellow Air Force Base 17th Training Wing held a ceremony to commemorate its new commander Col. Matthew Reilman and celebrate the work of the departing commander Col. Andres Nazario.
Goodfellow is responsible for training more than 14,000 firefighting and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance service members annually for the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and other government agencies and allied nations.
The ceremony was deeply-rooted in military tradition. Historically, it was uncommon for soldiers in the field to know the identity of their commanders. The formal change of command afforded troops the opportunity to witness the proceedings and actually see their commander.
Former commander Nazario accomplished many goals while serving at Goodfellow Air Force Base. He has commanded responsibility for three geographically-separated units in California, Arizona and Florida. He also manages property, equipment, supplies and contracts in excess of $1.5 billion and has an annual operating budget exceeding $288 million.
He said he would always appreciate the relationships he’s learned at Goodfellow and is excited to see where life takes him next.
“Each of the soldiers made a difference in this unit and I am eternally grateful for that. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the city of San Angelo’s civic leaders. There isn’t any other location across our military that has such a strong bond with the local community. Not to brag but Goodfellow happens to be the number one base worldwide with partnership agreements with this local community,” Nazario said.
He also mentioned he hopes the new temporary Goodfellow dormitories would be complete by 2024, even though the date has changed a few times.
The new commander, Col. Matthew R. Reilman, also has an extensive resume and has accomplished a lot in his career.
Reilman was commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2000. He completed intelligence officer training in 2001, and graduated from U.S. Air Force Weapons School in 2004. A career intelligence officer, he commanded the 7th Intelligence Squadron at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, as well as numerous operational and staff assignments ranging from the squadron to the combatant command level.
With all of his accomplishments, Reilman is honored to elevate in the Goodfellow branch in his speech while also paying respects to the fallen servicemembers who helped him get to this point.
"Our recent heroes are Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson and 1st Lt. Rosewell Sholton who gave their lives defending this country. To the women and men of the 17th Training Wing, my team and I will be focused everyday on taking care of you and your families. Thank you for your service and may God continue to bless you and the United States of America," Reilman said.
“Ma’am, I assume command.”
While only four words are spoken during this ceremony, these words commence an exceptionally challenging and rewarding tour of duty in the service of the nation.
