Minding the details Published Aug. 15, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Having grown up as the son of an Army Sergeant Major, Col. Richard Pagliuco, known to most as Colonel Pags, was already accustomed to the culture and day-to-day life of service members. When the colonel decided to join the Air Force in 1984, he initially planned to serve four years, separate, and then pursue a degree using educational benefits offered to him by the military. Following his enlistment, he realized that the military suited his personality, so instead of severing ties with the Air Force all together he joined the Reserves. While studying accounting at the University of Central Texas and serving in the Reserves, Colonel Pags also worked long hours as the manager of a fast-food restaurant. Upon graduation, he worked for a year as a certified public accountant before deciding the corporate world was not for him. It was then that he decided to meet with a recruiter and rekindle his active duty military career. With an accounting degree and a finance background as both military and civilian, the colonel expected to become a finance officer; however, this was not the case. With a high demand for Air Force missileers and his determination to start a new career as soon as possible, he was sent instead to missileer training school where he immediately excelled. "I fell in love with it the second I got there," said Pagliuco. "I was in the program for about a week and I said, this is what I want to do." Colonel Pags now has 22 years of experience in nuclear operations and recently assumed command of the 91st Operations Group at Minot Air Force Base. His understanding of operations, maintenance, and helicopters has led to a smooth transition while commanding the 91st OG. The colonel expects his Airmen to be the best in everything they do and said mistakes are made every day, but an Airman is defined by how he or she learns from those mistakes. The colonel demands his Airmen to be consummate professionals at all times. The most crucial part of the job for Airmen in the 91st OG is minding the details. "Combine all these things, and the mission is sure to be a success," said Colonel Pags. Enjoying what he does, being good at it, and the resulting sense of purpose is what makes him proud to put on the uniform. His passion for the job comes from serving. The colonel believes strongly in the importance of nuclear deterrence. "Today, nuclear deterrence is just as important as it has ever been at any point in our history," said Pagliuco. "We're still here to assure, dissuade, deter and defeat." "We assure our allies, we dissuade near-peer competitors, and we deter our adversaries," said Pagliuco. "And if an enemy foolishly decides to attack...we will defeat them," he added. As he settles in as commander of the 91st OG, Colonel Pags has already set his plan for success in motion. "By being professional at all times, expecting the best from our Airmen, and minding the details, the mission will be accomplished", said Pagliuco. "Through mission success, the nation's nuclear deterrence objectives derive their credibility." "We have to be credible, and that's where we come into play," said Pagliuco. "I demand nothing but the best from our Airmen; the American public deserves nothing less."