627th ABG hosts Davit’s farewell call

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Jimenez
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The commander's call name suited it well as Heritage Hill on McChord Field thundered with the noise of each of the 627th Air Base Groups squadrons yelling their battle cries loud and clear in response to their squadron's names July 24.

The squadrons were responding to a roll call at the beginning of the farewell commander's call for the 627th ABG commander, Col. Anthony Davit, who is also the Joint Base Lewis-McChord deputy commander.

The ceremony was attended by more than 300 Airmen and civilians from the 627th ABG's five squadrons.

Following roll call, Davit recognized this quarter's 627th ABG award winners. This year's second quarterly award winners included seven outstanding civilians and Airmen from the 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron, the 627th ABG Chapel Support Center, the 627th Communications Squadron and the 627th Civil Engineer Squadron.

After recognizing this quarter's award winners, Davit gave a farewell to the crowd of Airmen who came to show their support, but also to all the men and women serving at JBLM.

"We pioneer joint operations here at JBLM," Davit said. "As we sit here looking at the airfield, remember we make this happen. As I look back over the past two years and look at our accomplishments, I see all you have done to make this joint operation a success."

Following the commander's call, Airmen and their families enjoyed a catered lunch from Dickies Barbecue. The farewell barbecue was paid for by senior enlisted and officers of the 627th ABG.

In addition to enjoying a tasty lunch, Airmen also got to say their goodbyes to Davit.

"Colonel Davit is a very approachable and supportive commander," said Master Sgt. Jason Torres, of the 627th Force Support Squadron. "It's tough seeing him go, but he's led a good group and put us in a good position to continue to succeed."

Other Airmen agreed that they would miss Davit.

"He's been a good commander, he always knows how to communicate to us," said Senior Airmen David Smith, of the 627th CES. "He looked out for us, and made sure we were well-informed. We wish him the best."

One Airman acknowledged that he will miss having a commander that sets the standard.

"He is super smart, fit and has a great command presence," said 2nd Lt. Adrien Aquino, the 627th CES operations support branch manager. "He sets a high standard for fitness and job knowledge."

In addition to the 627th ABG's five squadrons, Davit's staff was also sad to see him departing.

"He is really personable and he created a great environment for Airmen looking to either enhance their career or just learning the ropes," said Senior Airman Eric Deleon, a 627th ABG staff administration journeyman. "He is someone you can look to as a leader or laugh to a joke with. I am going to miss having such a fun commander."

Having served at McChord for two years as the 627th ABG commander and the deputy base commander, Davit has played a major role in leading Airmen through joint basing.

"They have distinguished themselves among Airmen winning numerous awards from the group level to the DOD," Davit said. "I couldn't be more honored to have served beside them. I'm thankful to have led such an outstanding group of individuals."

According to Davit, all of the credit for the accomplishments of the 627th ABG goes to the Airmen.

"Interacting with the Airmen and seeing them excited about what they do is one of my favorite things," Davit said.

Davit will soon leave JBLM to go to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., where he will serve as the director of readiness at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. His change of command ceremony at JBLM is slated for Aug. 11.

"We have come so far with the integration of Airmen and the joint base," Davit said. "We have done some awesome stuff here. You don't see how far you have come until you look back."