JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Col. Thomas Miner Jr. took command of the 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group during a ceremony July 21 in front of the Taj Mahal, building 100, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
Among members of the 502nd SFLSG, Airmen, family members and local dignitaries were in attendance, Miner accepted the unit’s guidon from Brig. Gen. Robert LaBrutta, 502nd Air Base Wing and JBSA commander.
Miner assumed command of the 502nd SFLSG from Col. Michael Gimbrone, who was the unit’s commander for two years. Gimbrone is leaving JBSA to become director of force protection at the United States Air Forces Central Command, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
For the last two years, Miner was the 633rd Security Forces Squadron commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., overseeing law enforcement, security, maritime patrol, anti-terrorism and force protection duties at the base. He has served for 17 years in the Air Force at various levels as a security forces officer, including at the major command level. Miner is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy.
In his remarks, Miner said he looked forward to taking command of the 502nd SFLSG and praised the leadership provided by Gimbrone in preparing the unit for its mission.
“It’s an incredible honor to be here to take command of the 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group,” Miner said. “Col. Gimbrone, it is very apparent you led and nurtured an exceptional group of men and women. Through your leadership, they skillfully executed their mission with the highest level of proficiency and professionalism. The group is well-prepared for its mission, and for that I thank you very much.”
He also thanked military members, friends and family members who have supported him during his Air Force career, including his parents, in-laws and wife, Candi; and two young sons, Logan and Lawson.
Miner directed his closing comments to the members of the unit he will command.
“I would like to express to the men and women of the 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group that my family and I are truly honored and thrilled to be the newest members of your family of Joint Base San Antonio’s team,” he said. “We look forward to serving you.”
Before relinquishing command to Miner, Gimbrone thanked the members of the 502nd SFLSG, LaBrutta and the JBSA community for supporting him and his wife, Jennifer, during his two-year tenure as 502nd SFLSG commander.
“Moving on to another assignment is never easy for anyone,” Gimbrone said. “We all realize, however, that as military members it goes with the uniform. But it doesn’t change the fact that we have to leave a community that we have grown to love and people we come to rely on for friendship and counsel. Thank you for your support and friendship.”
LaBrutta said Gimbrone provided steady leadership during a period of transition and reorganization for the 502nd SFLSG, which was formerly the 902nd Mission Support Group, changing its mission from serving JBSA-Randolph to providing security forces, logistics and trainer development for all of JBSA.
“When you take a look at what this body of work is under Mike Gimbrone’s leadership, it is truly impressive,” LaBrutta said. “The impacts they have had across Joint Base San Antonio are absolutely marvelous.”
Speaking directly to Gimbrone, LaBrutta said: “You have made a mark here. You’ve led from the front. You brought it all every single day. I’ve got to say I’m so proud to know you and to have led with you. You have done a marvelous job.”
The 502nd SFLSG consists of five squadrons and 1,700 members, including security forces, logistics readiness and trainer development. The unit supports more than 145,000 personnel at 11 JBSA locations, the largest joint base in the Department of Defense, and provides full-size mockup trainers for organizations across the DOD and worldwide for enhanced combat readiness.