960th Cyberspace Operations Group welcomes honorary commander

  • Published
  • By Maj. Alysia Harvey
  • 960th Cyberspace Operations Group Public Affairs
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas --  Citizen Airmen assigned to the 960th Cyberspace Operations Group witnessed an honorary change of command ceremony during the December Unit Training Assembly.

David Neuman, Senior Director of Information Security Operations at Rackspace Headquarters here in San Antonio, graciously accepted the unit guidon before a group of approximately 125 members of the U.S. Air Force Reserve's only cyber group Dec. 5.

"I'm really excited to be a part of your team," Neuman said. "I have known Colonel Terry for a long time, and I'm looking forward to a great relationship with the 960th Cyberspace Operations Group and working together in the cyber domain."

Neumann is responsible for Rackspace's global information security operations, strategy, architecture and engineering services.  He oversees and coordinates security initiatives, working with executives, leaders and staff from human resources, global enterprise technology and every team in between.

"Giving back is a big part of Rackspace's ethos," Neuman said. "We are here to help when active duty service members are ready to transition to the civilian world. Additionally, we have some great cyber experts at Rackspace who have considered military service, and I want to use this opportunity to help them realize that dream."

Col. Lloyd Terry, Jr., 960th CyOG commander, thanked Neuman for partnering with the Group and said he's looking forward to building a great relationship with Rackspace.

"I have a lot of billets, and we are always seeking cyber talent in our local community," Terry said. "Additionally, there may be some opportunities for information sharing to help us fight the threats we face in the cyber domain, so thank you for joining the team as our honorary commander."  

After the brief remarks, the two gentlemen positioned themselves in the center of the stage and were assisted in executing the honorary change of command by with Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Africano, 960th CyOG superintendent.

The change of command ceremony is a military tradition deeply rooted in history and dates back to the times of the Roman Legion. In that period, military organizations developed flags that were unique to the organization with specialized colors and designs. When soldiers followed their leaders into battle, they kept sight of the flag. If the banner still waved after the conflict, it was a sign that their side had won. Having this position of importance, the flag was incorporated into change of command ceremonies. The organizational banner was exchanged in public for all to see that the one who holds the flag is the unchallenged leader of the armies. Modern day ceremonies are principally symbolic, yet it still indicates to all the authority of the incoming commander.

While the honorary commander has no authority over the Group's personnel, the passing of the flag is done as a symbolic gesture to welcome the civic leader to the group and acquaint him with military tradition and ceremony.