Eaves named 131st OG commander

  • Published
  • By Rachel Knight
  • Missouri National Guard
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo., --  Lt. Col. Ken Eaves, of Knob Noster, was recently named the Air National Guard's 131st Operations Group commander.

Prior to taking his new position, Colonel Eaves served as the 110th Bomb Squadron commander. His new position doubles his responsibilities, as well as the number of Airmen he leads.

"I am basically responsible for care and feeding all the folks that directly support the flying mission, minus the maintenance personnel," Colonel Eaves said.

He is excited about his new position as he has some "top-notch" leaders who will contribute greatly to the success of the group.

His job will be to drive the direction of the group rather than the day-to-day operations of it.

The OG is a 48 Airmen-strong organization that includes pilots, intelligence, aircrew flight equipment, flight records, crew communication and administration operations.

"This is definitely another challenge I am looking forward to," Colonel Eaves said. "I didn't want to give up the Bomb Squadron, but I'm excited about this new opportunity."

Colonel Eaves joined the Georgia Air National Guard in 1989 where he flew F-15 Eagles until the unit converted to the B-1 Lancer. He elected to make the move to the Missouri ANG in 1995 to fly F-15s out of Lambert Airfield in St. Louis, Mo.

When the 131st Fighter Wing decided to convert to the B-2 Spirit Bomber mission, Colonel Eaves chose to convert as well. He viewed the mission to transform the fighter wing in St. Louis to the 131st Bomb Wing at Whiteman as his calling.

"The ability to build something from scratch was the biggest draw for me to come here," Colonel Eaves said. "We were given a blank slate and permission to build the mission the way it needed to be built. We believe we built something extraordinary and that makes us want to lead this organization."

He is a 1987 graduate of LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, where he received an associate's degree in aviation maintenance technology and a bachelor's degree in aviation technology.

His wife, Sherry, of 21 years, has supported him throughout his career, as well as their children, Autumn, Jordan, Kyndall and Will.

"I'm excited about my new job," Colonel Eaves said. "The people in my organization are phenomenal and the people of the 509th Bomb Wing are supportive and wonderful to work with. I don't think I could pick a better job."