Sioux City, Iowa -- Col. Chad Schoonover officially assumed command of the 185th Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Group during a formal ceremony at the Iowa Air National Guard unit in Sioux City, Iowa during the November training weekend.
As the Maintenance Group Commander, Schoonover oversees the training and readiness of Maintenance Group personnel and maintenance of the unit's eight KC-135 Stratotankers.
Schoonover explained the importance of leading with gratitude to the 185th Airmen at the ceremony.
“We build unit cohesion when we first acknowledge the value of our airmen with a bit of appreciation,” said Schoonover. “This fosters trust, respect, and unity, creating a resilient foundation that supports lasting success.”
Schoonover enlisted in the ANG in 1992 as an Aircraft Maintainer at the 190th ARW in Topeka, Kansas. Schoonover commissioned as a Maintenance Officer with the 190th in 2001.
Schoonover is not a stranger to the 185th as he was selected to be a pilot at the unit in 2003. After attending KC-135 qualification training at Altus Air Force Base, Schoonover had numerous assignments before accepting a position at his previous duty station, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
During his 30 years of service, Schoonover has served as a Flight Commander and Operations Officer among other roles. Before returning to the 185th ARW this year, Schoonover served as the ANG Advisor to the Commander, Air Mobility Command, at Scott AFB.