Col. Glenn Collins: Leading the 932nd Airlift Wing and embracing community

Family, friends, 932nd Airlift Wing personnel and local civic leaders gather around Col. Glenn Collins, 932nd AW commander, for a group photo in front of a C-40C Clipper aircraft upon the conclusion of his fini flight. A fini flight is a long standing Air Force tradition, stemming from World War II, when aviators would fly one final flight on an aircraft before departing a unit or before never flying their aircraft again.

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Col. Glenn Collins: Leading the 932nd Airlift Wing and embracing community

Col. Glenn Collins, 932nd Airlift Wing commander, gets sprayed with water by his family and 932nd AW personnel after his flight at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., May 24, 2023. Collins flew his final flight, also known as a fini flight, to honor his leadership as commander of the 932nd. This flight also commemorated his 35 years in service, and his family, friends, colleagues and community leaders came out to celebrate this occasion with him.

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Col. Glenn Collins: Leading the 932nd Airlift Wing and embracing community

Col. Glenn Collins, 932nd Airlift Wing commander, waves from the cockpit of a C-40C Clipper aircraft after his fini flight at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., May 24, 2023. Collins' flight celebrated his 35 years in service, and his family, friends, 932nd AW personnel, and community leaders came out to commemorate this special event with him.

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Col. Glenn Collins: Leading the 932nd Airlift Wing and embracing community

Col. Glenn Collins, 932nd Airlift Wing commander, poses for a photo in the passenger cabin of a C-40C Clipper aircraft upon the conclusion of his fini flight at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., May 24, 2023. A ceremonial event, the flight serves as a tribute to his leadership and the achievements of the 932nd AW under his command.

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Col. Glenn Collins: Leading the 932nd Airlift Wing and embracing community

Published May 25, 2023
By Maj. Neil Samson
932nd Airlift Wing

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

For the past four years, Col. Glenn Collins has been a driving force as commander of the 932nd Airlift Wing, but his impact extends far beyond the military realm. With his strong civic involvement and community outreach, Collins has left an indelible mark on the Metro East area.

Collins, a dedicated Army and Air Force veteran of a combined 35 years, not only excelled in his military responsibilities, but also recognized the importance of forging partnerships with local communities. Collaborating closely with the City of Belleville Mayor, Patty Gregory, Collins initiated many joint ventures, mentoring programs and charitable events that strengthened the bond between the military and civilian population.

"The partnership between the 932nd Airlift Wing and our community has flourished under Col. Collins' leadership," said Gregory. "His commitment to outreach and engagement has made a significant impact on the lives of our citizens, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose."

One of Collins' notable achievements was spearheading the continued C-40C distinguished visitor airlift mission. This critical operation ensured the seamless transportation of high-ranking government officials and dignitaries, showcasing the Wing's exceptional capabilities on a global scale, spanning 158 countries.

As he prepared to bid farewell to his role, Collins performed his fini flight on May 24, marking the culmination of his time as commander. A ceremonial event, the flight serves as a tribute to his leadership and the achievements of the 932nd Airlift Wing under his command.

Upon the conclusion of his fini flight and after receiving a traditional "spray down" with water upon stepping off the jet, Collins delivered his final remarks to a crowd of his family, friends, 932 AW personnel and local Metro East civic leaders.

As he reflected on his military career, he expressed gratitude for the Wing and the Metro East community

Collins expressed his happiness of hitting his milestone of over 33 years of aviation saying "I've enjoyed it. It's been a wonderful run."

As Collins concludes his tenure, the 932nd Airlift Wing remains poised to continue its legacy of excellence, community engagement, and service under new leadership.