Colonel Lipsey takes over as 82nd MSG commander Published Aug. 6, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson 82nd Training Wing SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Col. Richard Lipsey became the new "boss of the base" during the 82nd Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Hangar 1045 Aug. 3. 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux commented on the magnitude of Colonel Lipsey's new position.. "This job involves taking care of over 2,000 people, the largest permanent party population on the base, and those people in turn care for 25,000. He also has to keep two wing commanders happy. "Really, the support group commander is the boss of the base," General Devereaux said. Colonel Lipsey replaces Col. Steven McKay, who will retire in Virginia. "It's been a blessing and an honor to work with you," Colonel McKay said. Colonel Lipsey, arriving from the Pentagon in Washington D.C., where he served as chairman of the Air Force Communications and Information Panel, said he was "overwhelmed by the Texas-style welcome" he and his family have received. "The way you greet people (and) talk to them makes it easier to leave the Pentagon behind," Colonel Lipsey said. "I look forward to working with you." Colonel Lipsey joined the Air Force in 1986 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Miami University, Ohio. From 1999-2001, he served as commander of the 81st Communications Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. In 2005 he deployed as Expeditionary Mission Support Group Commander and Commander of Air Force Forces-Forward, supporting tsunami relief operations in Operation Unified Assistance. Colonel Lipsey holds the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster. Colonel Lipsey has a master's degree in management and procurement and a bachelor's degree in systems analysis.