Selanders takes command of KSANG

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Angela Brees
  • 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
KANSAS JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS, Topeka, Kan. --  The Kansas Air National Guard welcomed its new commander, Col. Jay Selanders, and bid a bittersweet farewell to predecessor Brig. Gen. Bradley Link in a ceremony at Kansas Joint Force Headquarters Oct. 5.

Link retired after more than 30 years of service, most recently serving as the assistant adjutant general and commander of the Kansas Air National Guard. During a change of command ceremony at Nickell Armory, Selanders accepted command from Kansas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, who presided over the ceremony.

"Let me be the first to welcome you," Tafanelli said. "I have the utmost confidence you will serve the Kansas Air National Guard well."

Tafanelli also expressed praise and gratitude for Link's dedication to the men and women he served.

"From Gen. Link's first day, he charged forward with his mantra that we are one team, one fight," he said. "He took time to express gratitude to each and every Airman for their efforts, and helped us all be better leaders. 'If you want to go far, go together' - he embodied that philosophy every day."

Selanders joins the JFHQ team having most recently served as the 190th Air Refueling Wing vice wing commander.  He joined the Air National Guard in 1984 and has flown more than 3,000 combined flight hours in the T-37, T-38 and KC-135. Selanders' first words as commander focused on the need for leadership to take care of their Airmen, and for Airmen, be ready to serve.

"It is a privilege to serve on this leadership team. Everything about this leadership team is about the Airmen - about you," he said.

"As threats against the United States continue, and as we have fewer resources, the challenging times will continue. I know we will rise above it," he continued. "Tell your Airman to be prepared, be prepared physically and mentally. Let's sharpen the focus of the Air National Guard, and remember that we are there to support and defend the warfighters on the ground."