Pictures and interview with new Lieutenant Colonel
By Andrew Harris, pictured is Wlasniewski being “pinned” by his children as wife Jennifer beams
The little town of Andover NY, known for being a very patriotic community, couldn’t be more proud of a native son who has dedicated his life to military service. Lieutenant Colonel John Wlasniewski was promoted in a ceremony lead by Brigadier General Jonathan Byrom with his family at this side.
Byrom had this to say about Wlasniewski before he was “pinned” by his children:
“As you know we promote based on potential and the Army sees some potential in you, and I think across the entire CRC (Combat Readiness Center) we think it is off the charts. Wlasniewski is briefing 2 and 3 stars regularly and does so magnificently.”
Eric Schwegler, Operations Manager at Fort Novosel, Alabama had this to say about the Allegany County New York native:
“I’m extremely proud to be here for a couple minutes to recognize your potential and your promotion. You’re a great investigator, you’re a safety ambassador, and the fact that you’re going to get to move out from here and lead troops is just a testament to the team here, of everything you’ve done, and recognition of what you’re going to continue to do for the Army”
The newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, who has recently returned for a crash investigation on the Texas-Mexico border, took some time to answer a few questions about his life, and military accomplishments:
SUN: Germany, Hawaii, West Point, Ft. Drum, Afghanistan, Alabama is quite a list of places this career has taken you. What are some of the things you’ve noticed that are always the same, no matter where in the world you are?
LTC: I’ve found that communities, regardless of their location, share more similarities than differences. From Christmas markets in Germany to beaches in Hawaii, people demonstrate the same basic needs and values and have all been friendly.
SUN: When you graduated at the top of the Andover Class of 2003, is this the career you planned on? Were you destined to be a military man?
LTC: In my junior year of high school, I began considering the military to pay for my college education. After receiving promotional mail from West Point, my father encouraged me to explore it further. After researching, I applied to West Point and sought a nomination from Congressman Amo Houghton.
I arrived at West Point knowing almost nothing about the Army. Despite its proximity, I never visited before arriving on Reception Day 2003, which was just two days after graduating high school.
The initial shock of West Point eventually gave way to an appreciation for the opportunity, especially after discovering I could fly helicopters. By my first year at West Point, I had embraced the idea of a career in the Army.
SUN: This year, many will graduate from our local schools with military ambitions. What key advice do you have for those soon-to-be graduates as they prepare to enlist?
LTC: The most useful advice for those who first join the military is to always be in the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform, and with the right attitude – positive, ready to work hard and learn. The upbringing and support from our local communities has equipped you well for success. I am just one of the many from Allegany County who have found success in the military.
SUN: Your career is a major point of pride for the Andover community and the Wlasniewski family. How did growing up in Andover and your family shape this level of success?
LTC: Growing up in Andover provided me with numerous opportunities often overlooked in small towns. Participating in multiple sports, receiving an excellent education from outstanding teachers in smaller classrooms, and working at Kent Farms pruning trees for four years—all these experiences honed my discipline and resilience. At Kent Farms, driving around the farm in an old Army 5-ton truck with heroes like Corporal Jason Dunham absolutely influenced my career path.
SUN: Can you recall one teacher, community member, or role model that was directly responsible for your decision to serve our country?
LTC: My father.
SUN: Congrats from us all, and please feel free to include any “shout outs:”
LTC: A successful military career and family life are impossible without the support of your spouse. I express my deepest gratitude to my wife, Jennifer, who has been by my side for over twenty years.
Read the full press release on the promotion from the US Army:
Fort Novosel, Alabama – John Wlasniewski of Andover, NY, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) in the United States Army, in a ceremony held on April 5, 2024, presided over by Brigadier General (BG) Jonathan Byrom of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center (CRC).
LTC Wlasniewski, with a distinguished career as an Army Aviation officer and CH-47 pilot, is presently a mishap investigator at the CRC, Fort Novosel, AL. His career includes significant roles such as serving in the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade in Germany, within the Brigade Tactical Department at the United States Military Academy, as a CH-47 Company Commander in the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, and as a CH-47 Platoon Leader in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY, including a year-long deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Son of Ted and Renda Wlasniewski of Andover, NY, he is a 2003 graduate and class valedictorian of Andover Central School and a 2007 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Following his promotion, the Army has selected him to command the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment at Fort Carson, CO, within the 4th Infantry Division. This command includes oversight of 12 CH-47 Chinooks and 23 UH-60 Blackhawks.
The promotion of LTC Wlasniewski stands as a recognition of his service, leadership, and dedication to the nation.
