433rd Mission Support Group receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Minnie Jones
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND --  The 433rd Mission Support Group welcomes new commander, Col. Lisa M. Craig, during an assumption ceremony Nov. 1, 2014 at the 68th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Texas.

Col. William W. Whittenberger, Jr., 433rd Airlift Wing Commander presided over the ceremony. Craig succeeds Col. Craig Petersen, who transferred to the 934th Airlift Wing, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Air Reserve Station, Minneapolis, Minnesota to serve as the Mission Support Group commander there.

Whittenberger, starting out by outlining Craig's prolific career, and after he had reviewed many resumes before selecting her for the job, Whittenberger said. "Through competence comes confidence, and I picked the most absolute competent person out there, so I'm confident that she will take care of all you." He thanked her husband, David and her mother, Rose Mancuso for the support they have and will provide to her during this new position.

A native of Gig Harbor, Washington, Craig comes to the 433rd Mission Support Group from the 932nd Force Support Group, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where she served as commander.  

Craig was commissioned a second lieutenant upon completing Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1989. She has served in various operational and staff assignments, including duty as an operations management officer/fighter squadron adjutant, command post controller, executive officer, squadron and wing), wing protocol officer, Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer, personnel officer, the Inspector General Branch Chief, and in several special duty assignments at the wing and command levels.

Craig opened her remarks by thanking God for the grace He gives her every day; focusing on the Group, and quoting from one of the Nickelback's (rock band) song, "If Today was Your Last Day," which reflects her personal and professional ethic, she said. "Each day is a gift and not a given right, and every second counts, because there's no second try,"--Don't waste opportunities.

"I believe coupled with the Air Force values of Integrity, Service and Excellence. There are a few keys to success; passionately working hard; taking advantage of a balance of opportunities, including mentorship and open and honest communication."

Craig said in conclusion, "I Thank the leadership for the gift of this group. I hope to make every opportunity and every second count."

The 433rd Mission Support Group provides command and staff supervision and diversified support for the 433rd Airlift Wing in the critical areas of worldwide communication and information management; military personnel guidance; food and lodging services; engineering of base or bare-base infrastructure; readiness and security of the Wing's assets and flightline during times of peace or war. The Group provides overall management to the Force Support Squadron, the 26th and 74th Aerial Port Squadrons, 433rd Civil Engineering Squadron, 433rd Security Forces Squadron, and the 433rd Logistics Readiness Squadron.