343rd Recruiting Squadron Welcomes New Commander Published July 16, 2025 By Staff Sgt. Jessica Montano 343rd Recruiting Squadron OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 343rd Recruiting Squadron held a change of command ceremony on July 8 in La Vista, Nebraska. During the ceremony, command was formally transferred from Lt. Col. Mark Jansen to Lt. Col. Zachery Leonard. Presiding over the event was Col. Jeremy Farlaino, commander of the 372nd Recruiting Group. The ceremony marked a traditional yet significant transition in leadership, symbolizing continuity, trust, and the squadron’s ongoing commitment to mission excellence. Lt. Col. Jansen concluded a highly successful command tour, during which the squadron achieved multiple recruiting milestones across its six-state area of responsibility, encompassing Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Under his leadership, the 343rd enhanced community partnerships, strengthened local outreach efforts, and adapted to evolving recruiting challenges with professionalism and resilience. Lt Col Zachary Leonard, a prior-enlisted Soldier and inter-service transfer to the U.S. Space Force, brings over 25 years of joint military experience. He has served in a variety of tactical, operational, and strategic roles across the Army and Space Force. His assignments include leadership positions with the 35th Signal Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, White House Communications Agency, and Human Resources Command. Most recently, he commanded the 8th Combat Training Squadron, Space Delta 8, where he led the Space Force’s largest training unit, supporting satellite communications operations for over 12,000 space warfighters worldwide. The 343rd Recruiting Squadron, nicknamed the "Wolf Pack," is charged with identifying and inspiring the next generation of Airmen and Guardians. With flights stationed across the Upper Midwest, the squadron remains focused on excellence, innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in Air Force recruiting.