NEW CASTLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Del. -- An Assumption of Responsibility ceremony was held here July 14 as the 166th Airlift Wing welcomed its new command chief.
Chief Master Sgt. William Horay assumed responsibility as the command chief of the 166th AW from Chief Master Sgt. Shaune Peters, after serving the 166th AW for 4 years.
Twenty-nine-year veteran of the Delaware Air National Guard, Chief Master Sgt. Shaune Peters bid farewell, but emphasized that it was not a goodbye, but merely just a “see you later.”
“I will not stop serving you just because I’m not your command chief.” said Peters, despite her new assignment being half a continent away.
Horay, who is Peters replacement, is new to the First State and its Air National Guard. Horay has served around the world, most recently at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
The 166th AW commander, Col. Robert Culcasi, thanked Peters for her selfless service to the wing over the last 4 years.
“Chief Horay right person to lead us in this next part of our history,” said Culcasi.
After receiving the wing colors and symbol of leadership, Horay said his role is to assist the wing commander in reaching his goals but added that his primary passion lies with the wing’s Airmen.
Horay explained another critical role as the wing command chief is to continue building effective teams. He also told the crowd and all Airmen of the wing that taking care of people was critical.
“Mission success depends on you, so it only makes sense we take care of you,” said Horay.
In order to build effective teams and take care of Airmen, Horay plans to stress personal and professional development while serving as the wing’s command chief.
In his closing remarks, Horay addressed his wife, Karen and their two children and presented his first wing command master chief coins to his children, thanking them for their support.
Peters will be moving on to serve as the Air National Guard facilitator for the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Tx.
As Peters addressed the wing for the last time, she explained that leaders authentically care about their people put service above self, as well as the importance of all the Air Force’s core values.
“Belief in the core values has made me a better mom, sister, daughter, friend,” said Peters. “I believe in them as a person and have since I first raised my hand and will till the day I die.”