PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 302nd Airlift Wing welcomed Col. Erich Novak as the new vice commander during the February Unit Training Assembly. Novak is a career pilot who comes to the 302nd from U.S. Pacific Command at Camp Smith, Hawaii. There he served as Future Plans Director, Strategic Planning and Policy Division, Strategic Plans Branch as a Reservist in an Individual Mobilization Augmentee status.

"I am so happy to be here.  I really wanted to be part of the 302nd.  I've heard great things about the wing and the people. This is an outstanding mission," said the U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. "I've been smiling ever since Colonel Pittman [302nd Airlift Wing commander] made the call to let me know. My face hurts because I have been smiling so much. This has just been wonderful."

Novak, a commercial airline pilot in his full time job, is married with three children. His wife is a teacher.

"This is a wonderful assignment.  I am still in shock that I am able to be here," he said. "I am here to help and to learn."

During his 26-year career Novak has served the U.S. Air Force in multiple statuses: on Active Duty, as an Air Reserve Technician, as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee, and as a Traditional Reservist.