RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Two years ago, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jared Roman became the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing command chief and was immediately steeped in the wing’s history, tradition, and legacy.
“I knew immediately that the women and men of the 435 AGOW were at the tip of the spear, professional operators who carry an outsized mission for our nation,” said Roman. “From day one, I felt the weight of the responsibility, and I knew I had big shoes to fill.”
“More importantly, I knew I didn’t want to let anyone down,” he added.
The chief, who often referred to his teammates as “teamies,” had the distinct responsibility to ensure the "Follow Me" wing could provide battlefield and expeditionary Airmen to combatant commanders, ensuring readiness to respond to a wide range of humanitarian and contingency operations around the world.
“Every single day reaffirmed just how exceptional this wing is,” said Roman. “Whether it was hearing our most senior Air Force leaders brag about the AGOW’s ability to do what few others can or talking with Airmen about what they love about serving here, the message was consistent: this wing is special.”
“The standard never dipped,” Roman continued. “The expectations stayed sky-high, and our Airmen met them with pride and professionalism.”
Roman recalled a few AGOW accomplishments he’s most proud of during his tenure. He highlighted how the three groups—the 4th Air Support Operations Group, the 435th Contingency Response Group, and the 435th Communications Operations Group—each grew over the last two years but also stayed true to the 435 AGOW’s historic identity.
“Their leaders empowered, emboldened, and employed their formations across the theater in ways that strengthened readiness and sharpened operational excellence,” he said. “From the COG’s execution of Exercise HEAVY RAIN, to our ASOG Teamies completing a 60-kilometer infiltration to kick off Exercise SABER JUNCTION, to the CRG elevating the already-impressive Exercise AGILE BISON, each team advanced its identity, its expertise, and most importantly, its Airmen.”
As the Roman Family departs for Fort Meade, Maryland, he has one last message for the AGOW Airmen.
“Enjoy being part of the "Follow Me" Wing,” he said. “I would brag to my peers and senior leaders about how many people on the outside envy what we have here.”
“From mission to people, this wing has it all—and we don’t just talk about excellence; we deliver it through action,” he continued.
Roman officially passed the guidon June 26 to U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chris Hucks.
“My favorite memory happened at the Change of Responsibility ceremony,” said Roman. “After completing the sequence with the commander, I took a moment to scan the room and really look at our people.”
“Every emotion hit at once, but none of it was sadness,” he continued. “In that moment, it was crystal clear: This wing will always be at the forefront of operations and will continue to achieve incredible things because it is filled with incredible people.”