BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Lt Col. Christian Smith took command of the 460th Medical Operations Squadron from Lt Col. Jon O’Pry June 15, 2018, on Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado.
Col. Matthew Hanson, 460th Medical Group commander, presided over the ceremony and transferred the guidon from O’Pry to Smith, symbolizing the official change of command.
As part of their arrival, each new commander is asked a series of questions to show Team Buckley their personality. Here’s Smith’s first five:
Q: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave here?
A: When I leave in two years, I hope to have had a positive impact on Buckley's mission through the talents, skills and capabilities of the 460th Medical Group and its people. Secondly, I really hope to be able to show our members how much they mean to our base and the world. If I have one passion, it is helping people see they matter.
Q: What characteristics make a good leader?
A: A good leader has to first care for the people in their charge; care enough to serve them, to help them, to teach them and sometimes to grow them. After this, I believe in honesty, hard work, commitment and a number of other characteristics, but I think everything stems from a foundation of concern and love for the people.
Q: Which one of those characteristics do you think you embody the most?
A: I do care for people and I like to think they feel that.
Q: If you could have any super power what would it be?
A: As I get older and slower, I think I would enjoy the ease and freedom that comes with flying. I would love to be able to get around in such a weightless state.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
A: I enjoy anything in the mountains, such as biking, hiking, fishing, camping, skiing or running.