JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Col. E. Jonelle “Jo” Eychner spent more than a decade waiting for the chance to return to the Services career field. She got her wish Wednesday morning when she took command of the Air Force Services Center.
“I’ve served as a Force Support Squadron commander at Travis Air Force Base (California). Later, I served at headquarters Air Force and at the Air Force Personnel Center, but with this opportunity to serve at the center, I’ve finally hit the jackpot,” Eychner said.
The 26-year Air Force veteran from New Braunfels, Texas, realized how significant Services is to the mission during her first tenure in the career field.
“I learned what the career field had to offer from some of the best civilians, officers and NCOs in the Air Force,” Eychner said. “They taught me the value of Services and what it brings to Airmen and their families.”
We asked the new AFSVC commander a few questions about her life, career, and thoughts about being a member of the AFIMSC team.
What about her new role has her most excited?
She is looking forward to leading the AFSVC team in supporting the Department of the Air Force and Force Support Squadrons into the next phase with innovation and the adaptation of new ways of doing things. “This is a time of great consequence in our Air Force. So much is changing, and we must adapt to ensure we’re ready for the next conflict.”
What do you want the AFIMSC team to know about you?
“I’m a ‘tell it how I see it’ kind of gal and I value teamwork above all things. I believe we must all be curious about how the world works, because if we think we know how it works, we’re missing opportunities for evolution.”
People are the most important part of the mission, she added. “We, in the Services Center, have a responsibility to support commanders around the world by taking care of their people so they can take care of the mission.”
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
“I enjoy hosting murder mystery dinner parties and shooting sporting clays and skeet with my husband, Brad.”
What do you like most about serving in the Air Force?
“I like being provided the opportunity to make a difference in our world, and I love being able to connect with so many people from around the world who see things different from me.”