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Meet Col. Hafer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Airmen may serve in the U.S. Air Force for many different reasons, but one Airman has reasons rooted in family tradition and the pride of being part of a team.

"Serving our country runs in the family," said Col. Curtis Hafer, 325th Maintenance Group commander. Colonel Hafer replaced Col. Craig Hall as commander of the 325th MXG July 8.
The legacy started with his grandfather who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He also has an uncle that served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Colonel Hafer's father served during the Cold War and rose to the rank of senior master sergeant in the Air Force. In addition, he has an older brother who is an Air Force colonel working in the Pentagon.

Colonel Hafer graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1991 with a bachelor of science in civil engineering. He then earned a master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1996.

"Once I was in the Academy, I realized there was more to serving our country than family tradition," Colonel Hafer said. "I learned that being part of a bigger team is really what makes a difference in the world."

"Throughout my Air Force career I've been striving to bring out the best in people," said Colonel Hafer. "It's important to take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you, keep a good attitude, and take on new challenges."

Being a service member has provided many opportunities for Colonel Hafer as well. His duties have taken him on numerous worldwide deployments, such as Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and SOUTHERN WATCH.

"Accepting challenges build's your self-confidence. It's remarkable what we are all capable of achieving once we prove to ourselves that we can overcome obstacles," Colonel Hafer said. "Opportunity only knocks once," he added. "It may just be the golden opportunity that makes your career. If you are not up to the challenge right then and there, that opportunity may be lost forever."

Colonel Hafer arrives from Washington D.C., where he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort Lesley J. McNair.

"I am privileged to take this command; it is an honor to serve side by side with all of Team Tyndall," said Colonel Hafer. "I intend to continue to launch the 325th MXG to new levels of success and power forward. We will work aggressively to safely and successfully bed-down the new F-22 Raptors and T-38 Talons. We'll also set in place the right programs and processes to smoothly transition from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command."

In addition to his new responsibilities as the 325th MXG commander, he and his family look forward to taking advantage of what the local community has to offer. In his free time Colonel Hafer enjoys physical training, reading biographies and history, and spending quality time with his wife and children.