MXG Commander passes away

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bryan Gatewood
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. David Haar, 6th Maintenance Group commander, passed away Jan. 20 from natural causes.

"Colonel Haar's life and service has left a significant impact on this base, and on behalf of the MacDill family, I want to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy during this time of sorrow," said Col. Lenny Richoux, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander.

One thing that will be missed is Colonel Haar's ability to prepare his group Airmen as "war fighters."

"Since his command began here at MacDill, he would ask 'what's your war-time mission?'" said Chief Master Sgt. Tyrone Schmidt, 6th Maintenance Group superintendent. "He received various responses, but finally the work force understood and replied, 'deployed PAR Team member,' 'CAT commander support staff' or just simply 'aircraft maintenance, sir.'"

Not only did he prepare his Airmen as war fighters, but he wanted them to do it smarter. The colonel was a firm believer in Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) principles and guided continuous process improvement.

"His leadership was key during the KC-135 pre-flight procedures to improve the quality and timeliness of the important aircraft inspections," said Chief Schmidt.

This process was validated during the Wing's 2010 Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection, where the Wing received an "Excellent" rating and more recently being used by his Airmen during this week's ORI.

"Colonel Haar's clear sight picture of our daily mission requirements and how that fit in the war-fighter mission is what ensured our everyday readiness," the chief said.

Colonel Haar entered the Air Force in 1989 through the University of Notre Dame ROTC program, where he was a distinguished graduate. He held positions at the wing, center and major command. As an aircraft maintenance officer, he had experience with the B-1B, KC-135, RC-135U/V, and C-130E/H/J working on the flight line, in the back shop and quality assurance environment.

Colonel Haar deployed multiple times in support of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

A memorial service in honor of Colonel Haar is scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 1, in Hangar 3. For more information, call 813-828-2025.

Colonel Haar, 45, of Carol Stream, Ill., is survived by his wife Teri, and two daughters, Melissa and Elizabeth.