Mahaney takes command of ARPC

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Christian Michael
  • Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs
Col. Samuel "Bo" Mahaney assumed command of Air Reserve Personnel Center, here Nov. 5, in a short ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. James "JJ" Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve and commander, Air Force Reserve Command.

Mahaney came from serving as wing commander to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, Calif. He replaced Brig. Gen. Jay Flournoy, who left ARPC two days prior to assume command of 4th Air Force, one of three numbered Air Forces under AFRC. Jackson said the placing of Mahaney in command of ARPC was a good one.

"Bo has been a commander and a leader at every single level," Jackson said. "He will listen to you. He's a humble leader, and he will then go ahead and make the right choice for everybody including everyone within this room."

Despite moving more than four times in the past four years, and despite Flournoy's short tenure as commander, Mahaney hopes to settle in for a bit to see change and growth come to ARPC.

"How do we know if we are taking care of our people, fostering a culture of respect, and performing at the highest level of excellence we can?" asked Mahaney. "We've got to be talking to one another and it starts with me. Don't worry about hurting my feelings. If you hurt my feelings and, as a result, almost a million people benefit, all of our customers, that's a win. Sacrifice me for the good of a million? That's not bad odds is it. That's pretty good."

Also in attendance at the ceremony was Mahaney's wife, and his son, U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Samuel Mahaney, Jr., who was on his way to U.S. Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va., for training.