Laughlin welcomes new vice commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olufemi A. Owolabi
  • 47th Flying Training Wing
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Recently Team XL welcomed a new vice wing commander to the 47th Flying Training Wing - Col. Dave Ellis. He and his family are coming to us from Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he was assigned as the Chief of the Personnel Division. He said he was very excited to be joining the 47th FTW and looked forward to meeting and serving the members of Team XL. 

"I was definitely impressed when I came to Laughlin," the vice commander said. "The moment I came through the gate, I could easily tell this is a world-class team." 

He added that while driving on Laughlin, one could easily notice the pristine, brand new and very well-kept facilities. He relayed that it shows a lot about how Team XL takes pride in its mission, environment, and wing. As far as the Airmen, base members and Del Rio community members are concerned, the colonel said they have been incredibly generous, gracious and very open-armed, welcoming him and his family. 

Other first impressions, "Evident is the strong bond between the base and community." "Impressed with the professionalism, dedication, and positive attitudes each Airman displays carrying out their individual jobs." "Teamwork, Family don't seem to be just buzzwords - but truly taken to heart" 

Colonel Ellis has many responsibilities as the vice commander, but his top goals are to continue to grow the world's best pilots, support our Airmen and their families, and grow leaders. 

According to the colonel, commonly referred to as 'Doc' among his peers, the reason he joined the Air Force is to serve. He said that his leadership philosophy is based on the servant leader model and believes in service, sacrifice and stewardship. Following this discussion he relayed his views on the importance of ethics, integrity, and character. He said that all should keep in mind that one's integrity is the one thing that can't be taken away, but it can be given away, so guard it carefully. 

Colonel Ellis's family has a rich heritage of military experience: His grandparents served in World War II in the Army, his father was a Naval aviator and served 30 years to include multiple tours in Vietnam; his father-in-law was in the very first Marine Corp jet class and served in the Marines for 34 years, he also had multiple tours in Vietnam. His brother served in the Air Force for 24 years. 

Meet the new 47th FTW vice commander
 
Tell us about your family: Married to my beautiful bride and high school sweetheart, Erin, now for 23 years. We have three children that are our pride and joy: Megan, Brian, and Andrew. We also have two German Sheppards.

Where is your hometown: Bolivar, Tenn., a very small town just like here.

Time in service: 23 years

Education: Graduated from the U.S Air Force Academy and have a Masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Masters in Strategic Studies from Air War College
PME: Squadron Officers School, Armed Forces Service College, USMC Command & Staff College, Air War College

Previous assignments:
Chief, Stan/Eval 38th Recon Sq, Offutt AFB
Chief, Current Ops 89th Airlift Wing, Andrews AFB
Chief, Bomber/Mobility Assignments, AF Colonels Group, Pentagon, VA
Ops Officer 96th Air Refueling Sq, Fairchild AFB, WA
Chief of Safety 92nd Air Refueling Wg, Fairchild AFB, WA
Commander 93rd Air Refueling Sq, Fairchild AFB, WA
Deputy Commander, 6th Operations Group, MacDill AFB, FL
Chief Personnel Division, HQ AMC, Scott AFB IL

Flight experience: 5000+ hours, Instructor Pilot in three MDSs

Aircraft flown: RC-135, VC-137, KC-135, T-37, T-38, T-1

What is your personal goal: My personal goal is to serve all our Airmen to the very best of my ability, to grow future leaders, and to continue to grow the world's best pilots.

Who is/are your personal hero(s): My father. Man of strength, character, wisdom. He taught me more about service, integrity, and leadership than anyone. A close second would be my Mom and my wife. Both of which have hearts that are as large as Texas with an incredibly selfless "others-first" outlook on life.

What are your favorite quotes:
"We are what we repeatedly do; Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." Aristotle.
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." John Wooden
"Individual commitment to a group effort-that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." Vince Lombardi

Hobbies: Outdoor sports, bow hunting, fishing, hiking, camping