Col. DeRemer relinquishes OG command Published July 6, 2006 By Timothy Rodenberger Public Affairs Grand Forks AFB, ND -- In an emotionally-charged ceremony in Hangar 605 June 29, Col. Lee DeRemer relinquished command of the 319th Operations Group after two years in command. A new permanent commander has yet to be confirmed, however, Lt. Col. David Sprague will serve in the interim. Col. Bill Bender, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander, expressed his full confidence in Col. Sprague’s abilities, assuring the audience the group was in “capable hands.” Col. DeRemer earned his wings at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, shortly after receiving his commission in 1983. From there, he left a wake of awards in his path as he explored air and space theory by helping to develop the Air Force’s global engagement vision and conducting studies on air power at private “think tanks,” such as the RAND Corporation. After tours of duty as a squadron commander and at the Pentagon, he was selected as commander of the 319th Operations Group, where he brought what peers call “innovative thinking and dedication to duty” with him. Col. DeRemer leaves the group with a legacy that includes a long list of awards, while simultaneously exceeding mission standards during wartime operations. The awards range from Air Mobility Command’s “Best KC-135 Aircrew” to the Carl A. Spaatz Trophy. Col. Bender noted these accomplishments are “due in no small part to (DeRemer’s) leadership.” Col. DeRemer’s national recognition and accomplishments in the Group and while deployed earned him a Legion of Merit and a Bronze Star Medal. After receiving the awards, Col. DeRemer stood at the podium, pride evident in his eyes as he gazed out on a formation of his troops. He was quick to point out the awards were due to the hard work of the group members, adding they did “not make headlines, but made it happen.” He noted the group maintained 32,000 accident-free flying hours while only being staffed to maintain half of those hours. Col. DeRemer attributed this feat to the dedication and pride of the Warriors of the North and left the audience with his thanks, wishing he could give more, but satisfied that he had left a legacy of excellence behind.