1 00:00:01,180 --> 00:00:02,500 - Hi 507th wing, 2 00:00:02,500 --> 00:00:03,700 Colonel Miles Heaslip is here with you, 3 00:00:03,700 --> 00:00:06,120 the current 507th Air Refueling Wing Commander. 4 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:07,560 I'm here with Colonel Michael Parks, 5 00:00:07,560 --> 00:00:10,620 the future 507th Air Refueling Wing Commander. 6 00:00:10,620 --> 00:00:12,290 And this weekend, we're gonna have a change of command 7 00:00:12,290 --> 00:00:15,490 where I'll be passing the flag to Colonel Parks. 8 00:00:15,490 --> 00:00:16,640 And by way of introduction 9 00:00:16,640 --> 00:00:18,940 what I thought I would do is have a little interview session 10 00:00:18,940 --> 00:00:19,773 between the two of us, 11 00:00:19,773 --> 00:00:21,500 where we kind of ask each other questions 12 00:00:21,500 --> 00:00:24,320 about our time here at the 507th, 13 00:00:24,320 --> 00:00:26,420 what we looked forward to? 14 00:00:26,420 --> 00:00:29,230 And Colonel Parks's perspective 15 00:00:29,230 --> 00:00:33,400 and some of the things that I truly enjoyed here at 507th. 16 00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:34,940 So Colonel Parks, we'll start with you. 17 00:00:34,940 --> 00:00:35,773 - Hey, thanks sir. 18 00:00:35,773 --> 00:00:37,830 And thank you for allowing me to do this today. 19 00:00:37,830 --> 00:00:39,800 So, my first question for you in this interview 20 00:00:39,800 --> 00:00:41,980 is when you came to the 507th, 21 00:00:41,980 --> 00:00:43,590 what were you looking forward to 22 00:00:43,590 --> 00:00:47,180 and did the 507th live up to your expectations? 23 00:00:47,180 --> 00:00:48,070 - That's a great question, 24 00:00:48,070 --> 00:00:49,880 so one of the things I said 25 00:00:49,880 --> 00:00:51,770 when I did my change of command ceremony 26 00:00:51,770 --> 00:00:53,760 was that as an art guy, 27 00:00:53,760 --> 00:00:55,710 my whole career started out in the garden reserves, 28 00:00:55,710 --> 00:00:57,670 I couldn't think of a better position 29 00:00:57,670 --> 00:01:00,320 than to be the wing commander of a unit 30 00:01:00,320 --> 00:01:01,750 with the history and the pride 31 00:01:01,750 --> 00:01:04,200 and the future of the 507th Air Refueling Wing 32 00:01:04,200 --> 00:01:06,330 and they just knocked it out the park. 33 00:01:06,330 --> 00:01:07,510 It was everything I thought it would be 34 00:01:07,510 --> 00:01:10,340 and more, great people, great mission 35 00:01:10,340 --> 00:01:13,640 and just a great place to be actually here in Oklahoma. 36 00:01:13,640 --> 00:01:16,080 - Awesome, so over the past two and a half years, 37 00:01:16,080 --> 00:01:18,123 what is your fondest memory of the unit? 38 00:01:19,990 --> 00:01:21,260 - My fondest memory of the unit 39 00:01:21,260 --> 00:01:22,160 is gonna have to be this, 40 00:01:22,160 --> 00:01:24,090 the strato cart, the golf cart, 41 00:01:24,090 --> 00:01:25,070 the maintenance put together. 42 00:01:25,070 --> 00:01:26,300 And you haven't seen it yet 43 00:01:26,300 --> 00:01:29,150 but it is just, it's just fantastic, 44 00:01:29,150 --> 00:01:33,540 it is the epitome of everything that is right 45 00:01:33,540 --> 00:01:37,220 with the 507th, is just fantastic. 46 00:01:37,220 --> 00:01:39,280 - So, you're leaving the wing 47 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:41,040 and you're going back up to staff, 48 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:43,463 what are you looking forward to at your next assignment? 49 00:01:44,340 --> 00:01:46,010 - This'll be my first staff position, 50 00:01:46,010 --> 00:01:48,430 so I'm looking forward to it, 51 00:01:48,430 --> 00:01:53,320 only because my mantra has always been, 52 00:01:53,320 --> 00:01:55,310 if I can't help, when I move out, 53 00:01:55,310 --> 00:01:56,860 there's no sense in moving out. 54 00:01:57,730 --> 00:01:59,150 As a wing commander, 55 00:01:59,150 --> 00:02:03,020 I see how A3 can actually help the wing commanders 56 00:02:03,020 --> 00:02:04,710 especially at the NAF level. 57 00:02:04,710 --> 00:02:07,640 For instance, Fourth Air Force 58 00:02:07,640 --> 00:02:10,880 is the organization that has the tanker 59 00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:14,470 who better to speak for the missions of the tanker 60 00:02:14,470 --> 00:02:19,110 than the A3 NAF going up to Africa quarters 61 00:02:19,110 --> 00:02:19,943 and that sort of thing. 62 00:02:19,943 --> 00:02:22,850 So, even though I won't have my hands in it, 63 00:02:22,850 --> 00:02:24,773 as much as I obviously like to, 64 00:02:26,610 --> 00:02:29,400 I'm just really excited about the opportunity of seeing 65 00:02:29,400 --> 00:02:33,080 what I can bring to the NAF for the wings. 66 00:02:33,080 --> 00:02:34,160 - Do you know we have this recorded? 67 00:02:34,160 --> 00:02:35,790 So we may have to play that back for you, 68 00:02:35,790 --> 00:02:37,170 but we have this recorded now, 69 00:02:37,170 --> 00:02:41,370 so it is official and we will use it and hold you to that. 70 00:02:41,370 --> 00:02:42,203 - I hope you do. 71 00:02:42,203 --> 00:02:43,036 - Thanks. 72 00:02:43,036 --> 00:02:44,270 - All right, thank you. 73 00:02:44,270 --> 00:02:46,530 So you just coming to the 507th, 74 00:02:46,530 --> 00:02:49,130 what are you looking forward to here at 507th? 75 00:02:49,130 --> 00:02:50,230 - You said it, 76 00:02:50,230 --> 00:02:52,560 joining a unit with such an amazing reputation 77 00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:53,850 as the Okies have. 78 00:02:53,850 --> 00:02:57,330 So I found that, the KC 135 and four other assignments 79 00:02:57,330 --> 00:02:59,600 and all I've ever heard about is the Okies. 80 00:02:59,600 --> 00:03:00,650 So, I'm looking forward 81 00:03:00,650 --> 00:03:03,830 to joining a unit that has such a reputation, 82 00:03:03,830 --> 00:03:06,950 both in the strato mission and the tanker, 83 00:03:06,950 --> 00:03:08,593 AMC Africa mission. 84 00:03:10,050 --> 00:03:13,320 I can't say enough that we're just excited to be here. 85 00:03:13,320 --> 00:03:14,970 - We're more excited to have you. 86 00:03:16,270 --> 00:03:18,350 As I'm sure most people are, 87 00:03:18,350 --> 00:03:20,010 I know, I would like to know 88 00:03:20,010 --> 00:03:22,420 hey, what are the priorities that you have 89 00:03:22,420 --> 00:03:24,110 just from the get go 507th? 90 00:03:24,110 --> 00:03:25,570 So you can give people an idea of, 91 00:03:25,570 --> 00:03:27,930 hey, this is Colonel Michael Parks 92 00:03:27,930 --> 00:03:29,240 and this is where I like to go. 93 00:03:29,240 --> 00:03:30,540 - The priorities are the arm, 94 00:03:30,540 --> 00:03:31,820 that let's be honest, 95 00:03:31,820 --> 00:03:34,590 the tanker's great, the mission's great, 96 00:03:34,590 --> 00:03:35,550 the facilities are great, 97 00:03:35,550 --> 00:03:37,870 but none of it is effective 98 00:03:37,870 --> 00:03:40,053 unless we have airmen that wanna be here, 99 00:03:40,053 --> 00:03:42,880 they wanna show up to work, they wanna do the mission. 100 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:45,290 So taking care of the airman is my first priority 101 00:03:45,290 --> 00:03:47,460 and that's gonna be done from my level 102 00:03:47,460 --> 00:03:50,430 and from all the commanders and the first line supervisors. 103 00:03:50,430 --> 00:03:51,660 That's gonna be their focus, 104 00:03:51,660 --> 00:03:53,860 is what can we do for the airmen? 105 00:03:53,860 --> 00:03:55,430 We're not here to take care of ourselves, 106 00:03:55,430 --> 00:03:57,100 we're here to take care of them. 107 00:03:57,100 --> 00:03:58,350 - Well, I will tell you 108 00:03:58,350 --> 00:04:00,610 that I appreciate that so much 109 00:04:00,610 --> 00:04:03,410 because that's kinda my perspective too and always has been. 110 00:04:03,410 --> 00:04:06,050 So, with that being said, 111 00:04:06,050 --> 00:04:07,400 you're obviously active duty. 112 00:04:07,400 --> 00:04:08,233 - I am. 113 00:04:08,233 --> 00:04:09,280 (man laughing) 114 00:04:09,280 --> 00:04:11,020 And I have never been active duty, 115 00:04:11,020 --> 00:04:13,370 I've always been a guard reserve 116 00:04:13,370 --> 00:04:15,920 as I'm sure many of the people that are watching are. 117 00:04:15,920 --> 00:04:18,610 How do you think your perspective coming here 118 00:04:18,610 --> 00:04:20,973 as an active duty member, 119 00:04:21,920 --> 00:04:25,500 what will you be able to bring with your perspective? 120 00:04:25,500 --> 00:04:26,333 - Well let me first say, 121 00:04:26,333 --> 00:04:27,937 one of my African mentors said. 122 00:04:27,937 --> 00:04:30,950 "I'm finally joining the varsity team now 123 00:04:30,950 --> 00:04:33,670 that I can leave the JV active duty team 124 00:04:33,670 --> 00:04:36,279 and join the varsity active team." 125 00:04:36,279 --> 00:04:38,870 I've got to see a lot of different units 126 00:04:38,870 --> 00:04:40,460 and a lot of different missions 127 00:04:40,460 --> 00:04:43,960 and adjust to their culture as I walk in the door. 128 00:04:43,960 --> 00:04:46,300 What I'm looking forward to is yet another culture, 129 00:04:46,300 --> 00:04:48,320 learning about the Afri-culture here, 130 00:04:48,320 --> 00:04:50,583 the 507th, learning about the mission here. 131 00:04:51,450 --> 00:04:52,940 What I'll bring with me from active duty 132 00:04:52,940 --> 00:04:55,560 is just the ability to adapt, 133 00:04:55,560 --> 00:04:57,750 it's not about me, it's about the unit 134 00:04:57,750 --> 00:04:59,210 and you have to adapt to the unit 135 00:04:59,210 --> 00:05:00,900 that you're going to be commanding. 136 00:05:00,900 --> 00:05:03,200 So, I'm looking forward to learning about the unit, 137 00:05:03,200 --> 00:05:05,610 learning about the people, learning about the mission 138 00:05:05,610 --> 00:05:08,960 and not bringing a lot of my active duty ways with me, 139 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:10,960 but figuring out how I can best do 140 00:05:10,960 --> 00:05:12,333 that serve the airmen here. 141 00:05:13,190 --> 00:05:15,470 - That was a fantastic answer 142 00:05:15,470 --> 00:05:16,566 and I appreciate that. 143 00:05:16,566 --> 00:05:17,880 I think there are many airmen 144 00:05:17,880 --> 00:05:20,190 that are going to be looking at it from that perspective 145 00:05:20,190 --> 00:05:23,470 and that's a perfect answer. 146 00:05:23,470 --> 00:05:27,980 You're just another guy in a flight suit and OCPs 147 00:05:27,980 --> 00:05:30,750 and ABUs whatever it is trying to get the job done 148 00:05:30,750 --> 00:05:32,600 and that's fantastic. 149 00:05:32,600 --> 00:05:34,300 - Absolutely, it is all about the airmen, 150 00:05:34,300 --> 00:05:35,150 let's be honest. 151 00:05:35,150 --> 00:05:36,690 Our air force is as great as it is 152 00:05:36,690 --> 00:05:38,857 because of the airmen not because of the equipments. 153 00:05:38,857 --> 00:05:39,690 (man chuckles) 154 00:05:39,690 --> 00:05:40,640 - Absolutely, absolutely. 155 00:05:40,640 --> 00:05:43,410 So, you and Allie-- 156 00:05:43,410 --> 00:05:44,890 - Yes. 157 00:05:44,890 --> 00:05:48,790 - Mrs. Parks, how are you taking the Oklahoma so far? 158 00:05:48,790 --> 00:05:50,870 And we kinda already talked about that earlier, 159 00:05:50,870 --> 00:05:52,840 obviously they didn't hear about it, so-- 160 00:05:52,840 --> 00:05:55,340 - So firstly, let me thank you and the entire team 161 00:05:55,340 --> 00:05:56,820 for the warm welcome you provided, 162 00:05:56,820 --> 00:05:58,120 it was much warmer 163 00:05:58,120 --> 00:06:00,240 than the ice storm we walked into, 164 00:06:00,240 --> 00:06:02,750 so that was definitely a highlight-- 165 00:06:02,750 --> 00:06:04,110 - But do you have power? 166 00:06:04,110 --> 00:06:05,118 - We have power. 167 00:06:05,118 --> 00:06:06,390 (man laughing) 168 00:06:06,390 --> 00:06:08,570 And I'm just amazed to hear that there's still 169 00:06:08,570 --> 00:06:10,240 that many people without power, 170 00:06:10,240 --> 00:06:12,850 I think it was 70,000 ish last night, 171 00:06:12,850 --> 00:06:14,620 it is absolutely incredible. 172 00:06:14,620 --> 00:06:17,060 So, we walked in from Seymour Johnson 173 00:06:17,060 --> 00:06:17,950 and we were wearing shorts, 174 00:06:17,950 --> 00:06:20,030 I packed shorts cause looking at the forecast, 175 00:06:20,030 --> 00:06:21,620 it was supposed to be nice and warm 176 00:06:21,620 --> 00:06:23,880 and then walked right into an ice storm in three days 177 00:06:23,880 --> 00:06:26,460 of rain and trees falling or all around the house. 178 00:06:26,460 --> 00:06:31,460 But what an amazing community this wing is part of? 179 00:06:31,620 --> 00:06:34,160 I've never seen a more supportive community 180 00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:35,280 for the military, 181 00:06:35,280 --> 00:06:37,940 a better relationship with the air base wing 182 00:06:37,940 --> 00:06:42,070 and we are ecstatic to be here. 183 00:06:42,070 --> 00:06:44,230 This is definitely unique , 184 00:06:44,230 --> 00:06:46,150 being active duty, I've traveled to many bases, 185 00:06:46,150 --> 00:06:49,870 you don't see the level of support 186 00:06:49,870 --> 00:06:52,267 that you guys get here and that we get here. 187 00:06:52,267 --> 00:06:54,290 And we're just looking forward to meeting more 188 00:06:54,290 --> 00:06:55,250 of the community members 189 00:06:55,250 --> 00:06:57,810 and interacting more with the 72nd. 190 00:06:57,810 --> 00:06:58,660 - That's awesome, 191 00:06:59,690 --> 00:07:01,480 you bring up some excellent points. 192 00:07:01,480 --> 00:07:03,360 We do have a great relationship here 193 00:07:03,360 --> 00:07:05,330 with the 72nd air base wing, 194 00:07:05,330 --> 00:07:06,980 starting with Colonel Bell when I got here 195 00:07:06,980 --> 00:07:08,050 and now Colonel Filcek 196 00:07:08,050 --> 00:07:13,050 So, that's fantastic because they are partners here, 197 00:07:13,670 --> 00:07:14,820 true partner for us 198 00:07:14,820 --> 00:07:16,810 and I would like for our wing 199 00:07:16,810 --> 00:07:19,460 to kind of become a little bit more of a partner, 200 00:07:19,460 --> 00:07:20,293 that sort of thing. 201 00:07:20,293 --> 00:07:21,540 And I think you're the can-do-it 202 00:07:21,540 --> 00:07:23,690 to do that with the Colonel Filcek. 203 00:07:23,690 --> 00:07:25,623 So, I'm excited for the wing, 204 00:07:27,410 --> 00:07:29,060 thanks for kind of opening up 205 00:07:29,060 --> 00:07:30,580 because I know there are a lot of questions 206 00:07:30,580 --> 00:07:32,370 about the new week commander. 207 00:07:32,370 --> 00:07:35,810 I've heard, just kind of pushed them off. 208 00:07:35,810 --> 00:07:37,760 Hey, talk to him, meet him. 209 00:07:37,760 --> 00:07:38,593 - Thanks. 210 00:07:38,593 --> 00:07:39,960 - So like I said, 211 00:07:39,960 --> 00:07:41,790 good luck to you and Allie, 212 00:07:41,790 --> 00:07:44,320 I don't think I could have left the wing in better hands 213 00:07:44,320 --> 00:07:45,330 than yours right now, 214 00:07:45,330 --> 00:07:49,740 so thanks for coming and they will take care of you. 215 00:07:49,740 --> 00:07:52,840 The 507th Air Refueling Wing is there for you 216 00:07:52,840 --> 00:07:54,060 and I'm sure you'll be there for them. 217 00:07:54,060 --> 00:07:54,893 - Thank you, 218 00:07:54,893 --> 00:07:55,726 on behalf of the entire wing, 219 00:07:55,726 --> 00:07:56,630 thank you for your service, 220 00:07:56,630 --> 00:07:58,300 thank you for your two and a half years, 221 00:07:58,300 --> 00:07:59,177 taking care of the airmen 222 00:07:59,177 --> 00:08:01,580 and just focusing on the people here 223 00:08:01,580 --> 00:08:03,730 and making this wing as good as it is. 224 00:08:03,730 --> 00:08:05,080 They are a reflection of you, 225 00:08:05,080 --> 00:08:07,330 so thank you for setting me up for success 226 00:08:07,330 --> 00:08:10,410 by doing everything that you did with the wing. 227 00:08:10,410 --> 00:08:12,090 - Well, it's a great wing 228 00:08:12,090 --> 00:08:13,750 and I can't say anything more about it. 229 00:08:13,750 --> 00:08:16,053 And so I think with that, 230 00:08:17,220 --> 00:08:18,170 we'll call it good. 231 00:08:19,500 --> 00:08:21,340 Thank you so much for your time 232 00:08:21,340 --> 00:08:25,000 and effort before 507th for making this wing what it is. 233 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:26,520 I know from Colonel Parks and myself, 234 00:08:26,520 --> 00:08:29,500 we just can't talk enough about the great things 235 00:08:29,500 --> 00:08:31,790 that you guys do on a daily basis. 236 00:08:31,790 --> 00:08:32,623 Thanks again.