During the ceremony, McMurry praised the numerous accomplishments of Sherman and the Mighty 88th and welcomed Miller to Team Wright-Patt, outlining Miller’s successful 22-year service track record.
Miller expressed his thanks to his spouse, Beth, two sons, family members and friends and said he was “humbled.” He reminded the audience that this will be his second tour at Wright-Patterson AFB, having been an instructor as a captain in the civil engineer school at the Air Force Institute of Technology 14 years ago.
“Over the course of the next two years, I promise I will aim all of our efforts, center mass, at the mission, our people and their readiness while cultivating a climate conducive to innovation, excellence, dignity and respect,” Miller said.
Addressing his remarks to Team Wright-Patt, and specifically, the men and women of the 88 ABW, he said, “I’m a firm believer that we are mission-focused, people-driven. That guides me. In today’s fiscally constrained environment, we must focus our limited resources on the mission’s top priorities. To do this, we need innovative Airmen like you to tackle every problem and challenge with eyes and minds wide open. … Over the next two years I promise to give you my best day in and day out. I look forward to serving with you.”
Miller said with the nation grappling with multiple crises, he understands there may be anxiety due to the command leadership change from Sherman to him.
“Along the way, you have built trust. Every time, like a strong family, you came together to help each other out and ensure mission success. I will work hard to gain your trust each and every day, and I will work hard to build strong relationships both inside and outside the fence,” he said.
During his remarks, Sherman thanked Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Arbona, 88 ABW command chief, for their work together and other leaders, family and friends for their support.
To the 88 ABW, he said, “This has been an amazing journey … Through adversity and through triumph, you did amazing things,” as members of the wing responded to tornadoes, hurricanes, COVID-19 and the wing’s 75th anniversary of “strength through support” and more.
Sherman finished by saying, “It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you.”
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