Mulkey Assumes Command of the 68th Airlift Squadron Published Aug. 3, 2014 By Capt Philip Cortez 433 AW/PA JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND -- Lt. Col. Marc D. Mulkey assumed command of the 68th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, during an Assumption of Command ceremony here on August 2. Col. Lee E. Merkle, 433rd Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony. "This means a lot to me," Mulkey said. "I started my career here at the 68th Airlift Squadron over 17 years ago, and now I'm home." Lt. Col. Mulkey was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Course at Texas A&M University in 1996. He served with 68th AS, as an executive officer. In October 1998, Mulkey was a student in the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training course and continued serving in the unit. Additional highlights of his Air Force career include serving as a C-5 Instructor, pilot evaluator, and aircraft commander. Mulkey has also served in the 356th Airlift Squadron as a C-5 Chief Pilot and as the Assistant Chief of Standardization and Evaluation. "This is a very challenging time right now in the Air Force, and Lt. Col. Mulkey is the right person to lead this unit," stated Col. Merkle. "Mark has all the traits and characteristics to be a great leader." Mulkey expressed appreciation and gratitude toward many members of the 68th AS leadership and various mentors who have been part of his Air Force career. "I couldn't do this without each one of you, and the support of my family, and my dad. He is truly my hero," Mulkey said. "Our squadron is a family, and together we will succeed." Lt. Col. Mulkey was joined at the ceremony by his colleagues and friends of the family.