Defenders get new commander

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Lausanne Kinder
  • 944th Fighter Wing
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Lt. Col. Amy Evans, outgoing 944th Security Forces Squadron commander relinquished command to Capt. Jonathan Warzeka, who is joining the unit from the 56th Security Forces Squadron, during a formal change of command ceremony held at Hangar 999, Jan. 6.

The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Col. Kip Schlum, 944th Mission Support Group deputy commander and prior 944 SFS commander.

"This is a very significant day because five years ago I was on this stage changing command of this same squadron to Amy (Evans) and today I get to change over the command to friend of mine that I worked with on active duty, Jon Warzeka," said Schlum.

Schlum praised Evans and her accomplishments during her tenure as commander.

Along with her accomplishments, she led the squadron to winning the distinction of being the 2016 Unites States Air Force Outstanding Security Forces Squadron "Air Reserve Component" and the 2016 Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding Security Forces Tenant Unit of the Year Award, Schlum added.

Evans concluded her Air Force career with a retirement ceremony directly following the change of command.

After changing command over to Warzeka, he also praised Evans on the work she has done with the squadron.

"To the defenders of the 944 SFS, I am humbled and honored to join your team," he said. "Lt. Col. Evans has established an environment that encourages and promotes a recipe for success… I urge you to continue this momentum into 2018. I'm eager to command this amazing unit and I am excited for what the future will bring."

As the 944th SFS commander, Warzeka will oversee more than 75 Airmen. The 944 SFS is tasked to develop, implement and complete state-of-the-art training and mobility preparedness ensuring that the unit is ready at a moment's notice to support worldwide contingencies.