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Reservist deploys to Iraq to command air expeditionary group

  • Published
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq --  The commander of Air Force Reserve Command's 477th Fighter Group at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, joined about 2,500 other reservists when he deployed overseas in April.

Col. Eric S. Overturf assumed command of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, April 30.

He replaced Col. John F. Costa, a Regular Air Force officer who returned to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., where he waits to serve his next assignment as Joint Air Operations Center deputy commander, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

"I am honored to be your commander," said Colonel Overturf to the men and women of his new command. "Let's get started."

For one Airman in the crowd it was more like re-starting.

"After working with Colonel Overturf for the past year at the 477th FG, I admit I'm excited to have him as the new 506th AEG commander," said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Zellar, 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, also deployed from Elmendorf. "I feel his intuitive and open style of leadership, along with his deep concern for the well-being of all Airmen, will serve the KRAB well.

"He's the type of commander who will walk down a hallway with 20 people, stop and find out how each one is doing and how he can help them get their job done," said Sergeant Zellar. "Then, he'll find the best way to make those things happen. He's a man of action; I have a lot of respect for him."

While Colonel Overturf is deployed, his deputy commander, Lt. Col. John Hillyer, has stepped up to command the 477th FG, an Air Force Reserve classic associate unit that flies and maintains the F-22 with the Regular Air Force's 3rd Wing at Elmendorf. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service from a 506th AEG news release)