The cheerful banter that animated 14 Operations Support Squadron (OSS)’s ceremonial change of command June 6 attested to the close-knittedness of the passel of “Awesome Possums” who came together under the leadership of outgoing commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Lara Jennings.
“I believe that we have achieved the biggest steps in our squadron’s history towards identifying and unifying as a squadron,” Jennings said, making her farewell comments. In the past two years, 14 OSS established a mascot: a “wicked” possum, designed by squadron artist Captain Stephanie Juliusson; as well as a squadron fund, Awesome Possum awards, coins and, “best of all,” said Jennings, “we have esprit de corps and pride, which we saw come out in full force during this year’s Winter Carnival events.”
Jennings is confident 14 OSS’ reputation was a deciding factor in incoming commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Garrett Milne’s decision to change careers from aerospace engineering officer to air operations officer in 2023 and move to 14 OSS as the deputy commanding officer.
“He was due for a promotion to lieutenant-colonel and he thought to himself, ‘I think I could do more in the AOO trade.’ I think he also thought, ‘I’d really like to get into OSS somehow; how can I do that?’ That’s how badly he wanted to be at our squadron – talk about dedication!”
While Jennings has “no doubt Lieutenant-Colonel Milne will continue to support the people of our squadron while also improving how we operate,” she will miss the family she built here in Greenwood.
“I’m really, really sad to be leaving the Valley. I’ve spent, I think, 14 of the last 18 years here. This has become my home.”
Luckily, Jennings was accompanied by her daughter, Brooke, during her final address, who, excited mommy would no longer have a work phone at night, kept the atmosphere light by periodically reminding her mother the family was “leaving soon.”
“My daughter has given me balance and perspective that I think has allowed me to be a better, more understanding CO,” said an obviously proud parent.
Milne also thanked his spouse and four children for their unrelenting patience and understanding before addressing the squadron.
“I’m very excited for the upcoming changes that we are going to see at 14 Wing and within 14 OSS. I’m looking forward to the challenges that will come with the new airframes and the necessary adaptations to our wing, infrastructure and the way we do operations. We will tackle these changes together.”
While reviewing officer 14 Wing Commander Colonel Jeff Davis said having a DCO move into the commanding officer position is unique, he commented, “I see many advantages to having the experience of how the squadron currently functions.” To Milne, Davis said, “I am aware of the experience you bring to the ops support squadron and believe this, along with your leadership, will pay dividends to the members of the squadron – and to the members of 14 Wing in its entirety.”
Before the conclusion of the change of command ceremony, Milne performed his first act as commanding officer of 14 OSS, awarding Jennings the designation of Honorary Awesome Possum of the quarter.
