Meet the new operations group commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Born in Arizona, Col. Anita Feugate Opperman, 341st Operations Group commander, calls Hawaii home, but for the next few years Malmstrom will be home.

Feugate Opperman arrived at Malmstrom June 20, and took command of the 341st OG June 24.

“As the group commander, my goal is to continue to build on the changes that have already been made in the intercontinental ballistic missile community as a whole and Malmstrom specifically,” said Feugate Opperman.

Feugate Opperman wants to help squadron commanders by providing them the tools needed to develop the officers and enlisted members working under them.

Feugate Opperman knew at an early age she wanted to join the military.

“My parents were in the Army, both active duty and civil service,” said Feugate Opperman. “We moved around a lot. While in high school, I originally thought I wanted to join the Navy, but while attending Indiana University, only Army and Air Force ROTC were offered.”

Feugate Opperman commissioned in the Air Force as a graduate of the Reserve Officers Training Corps program in 1994, and has not regretted it.

“My parents were happy for me,” said Feugate Opperman. “My dad was a little nervous about having his daughter in the military, with the mindset he had of being a solider in the Army.”

Her plan was to always join as an officer, and retire from the Air Force.

“I am not sure how long I have until retirement,” said Feugate Opperman. “Right now I am still enjoying the Air Force, I have no reason to want to leave.”

Throughout her career in the Air Force, Feugate Opperman has had 14 assignments and has moved to 12 bases.

“I have been stationed at Vandenberg, F.E. Warren, the Pentagon and Maxwell twice,” said Feugate Opperman.

Feugate Opperman has also been stationed at Peterson AFB, Colorado; Silver Spring, Maryland; Barksdale AFB, Louisiana and now at Malmstrom.

“All of my previous assignments have helped me build up to the position I am at now,” said Feugate Opperman. “Everything is foundational.”

In her off time, Feugate Opperman enjoys baking, running half marathons and spending time with friends and family.

Feugate Opperman is married to a retired missileer, who spends his free time hunting and taking care of their two cats and dog.

“I enjoy doing things outdoors, but I have a love/hate relationship with the winter,” said Feugate Opperman. “I was extremely excited when I found out Malmstrom was my next assignment.”

The biggest challenge of being a commander, according to Feugate Opperman, is being able to understand changes already in place, and not changing them just because she is not used to them.

“I love the job I am currently in, and wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Feugate Opperman. “I want people to know I am here to support the wing, groups and squadrons in getting the mission done.”