193rd welcomes new vice wing commander Published Nov. 16, 2013 By Senior Airman Claire Behney 193rd SOW Public Affairs Middletown, Pa. -- On Aug. 26 Col. Benjamin (Mike) Cason began his position as vice wing commander of the 193rd Special Operations Wing, Middletown, Pa. As vice wing commander, Colonel Cason is responsible for the training and readiness of 1,800 combat-ready Airmen and seven uniquely modified EC-130J aircraft that provide Military Information Support Operations, Electronic Attack and Special Operations Forces Mobility in support of United States Special Operations Command and Air Force Special Operations Command. For more than a decade, Colonel Cason has served with active-duty Air Force special operation units and he is now able to add the 193rd to his resume. "It is truly exciting to lead the 193rd SOW along with an active-duty member serving as the vice wing commander," said Col. John Dickinson, 193rd SOW commander. In May, while serving the active-duty Air Force under Title 10, Colonel Cason was notified that he had been selected for the position of vice wing commander of the 193rd. Colonel Cason explained that part of the requirement to have command responsibilities is to be Title 32 status as well - and so he enlisted into the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in early August. "I was informed that they were looking to strengthen the total force integration between the active duty and the National Guard," said Colonel Cason. "It's been going on behind the scenes for about six months now, so after a couple of interviews and meetings with (wing) leadership, I was selected to become the vice wing commander here." The colonel said he's working to gain an understanding of the 193rd, its Airmen and its mission. "Coming in here, because it's such a unique experience, I'm taking the time to learn the people and learn this organization here at the 193rd first," said Colonel Cason. "All the wings are organized the same between active duty and Air National Guard, but it's just a difference what the citizen Soldiers bring; that is what I'm getting my arms around." Colonel Cason explained his experience working with different people and different careers are skill sets he brings to the 193rd. "I flew 141s in Air Mobility Command and made the shift over to AFSOC after about five years in AMC, so I've been able to move around different commands and work with different people to get the mission done." It's this experience that is proving valuable as he serves in his new position at the wing. "I believe Col. Mike Cason's SOF experience, fresh ideas and strategic vision will not only help to further strengthen our relationship with AFSOC but will also help to guide our wing to an even greater level of success," said Colonel Dickinson. "He has already become completely engaged in the day-to-day challenges facing our wing and is making a huge impact." Read Colonel Cason's full biography online at: http://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/resources/biographies/index.asp