Wing officially merges Services, MSS into Force Support Squadron

  • Published
  • By Carl Bergquist
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  In a four event ceremony, the 42nd Air Base Wing stood up the 42nd Force Support Squadron at the Maxwell Officers' Club, July 1. 

Ceremony events included a Meritorious Service Medal presentation to Lt. Col. Kerry Proulx, 42nd Mission Support Squadron commander; the stand-down of the 42nd Services Division; re-designation of 42nd MSS to 42nd FSS; and the FSS change of command from Colonel Proulx to Maj. Katherine Brown. 

The result was establishing the Air Force's newest force support squadron, and Col. John Costa, 42nd Mission Support Group commander, said he had mixed feelings. "Today is the best of times, and the worst of times," he said. "It is the worst of times because we say goodbye to Colonel Proulx, and the best of times because we get on the FSS train." 

The colonel said it was a special day for "young warrior Katherine Brown." He said he equated the services division to a swimming team in that above water, everything looks great and well coordinated, but below water, everything is "complete chaos."
 
"I started out with five activities on the watch list, and a year later there are zero," Colonel Costa said. "That is incredible talent." 

He said what Colonel Proulx accomplished during her tenure as 42nd MSS commander, enduring hurricanes and "all that MSS had to offer," was also incredible. The colonel said MSS and SD came together last year to win the General Curtis E. LeMay Award for providing the best services in the Air Force, and the teams are ready now to come together as the 42nd FSS. 

Colonel Proulx said she was headed for Korea but wanted to thank 42nd ABW leadership for all they did for her. 

"Colonel Beasley [42nd ABW commander], thank you for your support for our programs and providing top cover. Colonel Costa, thank you for your leadership, vision and steadfast support. We had an awesome run," she said. "To everyone, I treasure your friendship and wish the best of luck to each and every one of you. Together SD and MSS will stand ever stronger as one. Service is our pleasure." 

Colonel Proulx told Major Brown she was leaving the FSS in good hands, and there was "no one else's hands she would rather leave the squadron in." To the 42nd MSS crew, she said it was her privilege to have worked with, "the best team in my Air Force career." 

"You've worked hard and proven your metal time and time again," she told the crew. "Thank you for the great honor of serving as your commander."
 Major Brown said she too wanted to thank wing leadership for their support and giving her the opportunity to command the 42nd FSS. She also added personal thanks to her father and husband. 

"To my dad, thank you for being my rock and letting me be your little girl, and to my husband, thank you for your understanding, love and patience," she said. "I stand before you honored and humbled to be your commander. I'm excited to bring our families together, and what an incredible opportunity this is to offer such a wide array of support to base members." 

She said she believed in, and was passionate about, taking care of people, and it was just as important for FSS members to understand their role in being war-time ready and taking care of customers. 

"Having won the 2008 LeMay Award, we have set the bar high for what is possible," Major Brown said. "FSS has a tremendous opportunity, and I ask you to take the opportunity to heart. You can expect loyalty and leadership from me."