New leader proud to follow in mentors' footsteps

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The newly acting director of the 751st Electronic Systems Group compared his position to being the captain of a sport team. 

Patrick Dagle stepped up from serving as the group deputy to his current position Oct. 10, when Col. Jim Lovell became acting 551st Electronic Systems Wing commander. He said he's always been a team sport player, and is looking at the new assignment that way as well. 

"The Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) program is an extremely busy program, with a high level of congressional and Office of the Secretary of Defense involvement, and is at a critical time," he said. 

"For a program that's supposed to be heading towards retirement, Joint STARS is an awful busy place to be," he said. "It flies just about every night, watching over our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's an honor to be part of that program and that heritage." 

Mr. Dagle emphasized the need for balance. "I need to make sure everyone is producing, everyone is carrying their fair share, and everyone has their chance in the spotlight."
He has no set philosophy, however. "I give the good people the tools they need, watch out for them, and they'll carry the day." 

He said his biggest concern is making sure some of his staff don't work so much they forget about home. 

"These people are doing a very difficult job at a very difficult time," he said. "Mission first, but not at the expense of your family." 

In fact, taking care of people is one of the priorities Mr. Dagle has told his staff to focus on right now. 

"So many things are out of our control," he said. "But if someone on the team has a sick child, the rest of us can pick up the workload. That's one thing I love about the military and this career field. When people are hurt or down, we're there to help them." 

Mr. Dagle said it's an honor to be leading the Joint STARS team, especially with so many great people preceding him. 

"Folks like Dave LaRochelle, retired Brig. Gen. Gary S. Connor, retired Maj. Gen. Robert Latiff and Col. Jim Lovell have all headed this team. Colonel Lovell successfully led this program during one of its most turbulent times. I also can't forget my mentor and good friend Rich Bleau, the first civilian to ever head Joint STARS. It's great to be thought of in that same line of people." 

"Not many civilians get this opportunity," he said. "(Electronic Systems Center Commander) Lt. Gen. (Ted) Bowlds, (Executive Director) Mr. (Rich) Lombardi, Col. Lovell all have confidence in me to get the job done. And even though this is a temporary assignment, it's important for the civilian workforce to see there is shared leadership. 
Hopefully the young people we are hiring will see there are opportunities." 

Of Colonel Lovell, Mr. Dagle said he'd be missed at the group, but feels his new position will also be a help. 

"Col. Lovell did a great job here with many challenges. Now, when I need input, I get the wing-level perspective as well."