Fairchild ‘already feels like home’ for Col Guemmer Published July 8, 2010 By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Col. Paul Guemmer is home. In his first speech addressing Team Fairchild, the new 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander said he's always wanted to be stationed here for several reasons: As a command pilot with more than 4,300 flying hours in an array of aircraft, he knows firsthand the importance of the refueling mission. Between the SkyFest 2010 airshow, unit compliance inspection in November and new runway construction starting in February, Fairchild will be extremely busy during his tenure. The support from the Inland Northwest community is legendary around the Air Force. He also loves to fish. "This is a dream assignment for me," the colonel said. "I've always wanted to come to Fairchild, so to be here as the wing commander is an incredible honor. We've only been here a week and it already feels like home." Colonel Guemmer grew up as an Air Force brat. In fact, he met his wife, Cyndi, in high school while his dad was stationed in Germany. The Guemmers have three children: Jane, who attends Florida State University; Angela, who just graduated high school, and Gus, who starts his freshman year in the fall. The Guemmers come to Fairchild from Washington, D.C. While there, the colonel worked on the Air Staff as the A8 chief of strategy and integration. The division's mission is to examine ways for the Air Force to better work with joint partners. As the new wing commander, Colonel Guemmer said his job is "mostly just listening to people." "An major part of leadership is addressing needs," the colonel explained. "If I'm not listening to the people on and around Fairchild, I can't be responsive to what's needed to make the mission happen. "When I was at the Pentagon, I only had a small number of people working for me," Colonel Guemmer added. "But here, the entire Fairchild community has been entrusted to me; I don't take that lightly." One of his goals -- both on base and off -- is to meet as many people as he can because he prefers face-to-face communication with people. "Sincerely looking someone in the eye when you talk with them gives you a lot of perspective you just don't get second hand," he said. The colonel attended his first Inland Northwest event July 4th, where he spoke to more than 6,000 people about the importance of strong ties to the community. "It's essential we be good neighbors," Colonel Guemmer said. "The people here appreciate what we do and know how hard we work to keep them safe. So we owe it to them to be a part of the community." Colonel Guemmer takes the reins of the 92nd at a busy time" The base is preparing for its SkyFest 2010 airshow July 24-25, Team Fairchild will undergo a compliance inspection in November, and flying operations will be geographically separated as the flightline is refurbished starting in February. "We've got a busy year ahead of us, there's no doubt," Colonel Guemmer said. "That's why it's important we all work together - trust and teamwork are the hallmarks of any great organization. So the key to being successful is for us all to take care of one another. We need everyone pulling in the same direction, so if anyone has any ideas on how to make things better, I'd love to hear them." Between operational demands, Airmen and their families should make time for recreation as well, the colonel said. "I can't wait to get out to Clear Lake with my boat," Colonel Guemmer said. "It's one of the places I've heard so much about, so I'll definitely be taking my family out there this summer. "Being a part of Team Fairchild means we work hard, but it's important we have some downtime to recharge the batteries," Colonel Guemmer added. "But I've been looking forward to this assignment for a while, so everyone who is a part of this base and this community can rest assured that I'm ready to get to work."