Outstanding Unit Award recognizes 192nd Fighter Wing Maintenance and Operations Groups

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. — The Maintenance and Operations Groups of the 192nd Fighter Wing were each selected for an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for their accomplishments over the past two years. The groups are being recognized as a result of consistent, high-level performance, dedication to the mission, and the ability to thrive as a classic association with the 1st Fighter Wing in today’s total force construct.

"The Airmen of the 192nd Fighter Wing have been on the cutting edge of air combat power as the first Air National Guard unit to fly the F-22 Raptor, and these two units being recognized is a result of their technical expertise, hard work and dedicated service," said Gov. Bob McDonnell. "We continue to be extremely pleased by the outstanding achievements of the Virginia National Guard, and I know we can continue to expect great things from the Virginia Air Guard as they work side-by-side with the active Air Force at Langley Air Force Base."

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ChalleNGe candidates tackle rappel tower during "Hard Core" phase

FORT STORY, Va. — Rappel Master Instructors from the Fort Pickett-based 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute offered their expertise to candidates of the Virginia Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy Jan. 20 as they descended the 30-foot rappel tower at Fort Story during the "Hard Core" phase of the program. The Hard Core phase is the first two weeks of the ChalleNGe program where the cadre determines whether the students have what it takes to become cadets in the program.

"This was a reward, it was exciting for the candidates but it also helps them understand how to work as a team and how to do things that they never expected they could do," said retired Lt. Cmdr. Richard Guzman, deputy director of Virginia Commonwealth Challenge. "None of them have ever been on a rappel tower, and none of them have ever done an obstacle course."

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Virginia National Guard displays capabilities to Va. lawmakers

RICHMOND, Va. — Soldiers and Airmen of the Virginia National Guard, alongside members of the Virginia Defense Force gathered outside the Virginia General Assembly Building Jan. 18 with equipment displays to show some of the Guard’s capabilities to members of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. Inside the building, Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, conducted a briefing with members of the General Assembly’s Guard Caucus to provide an overview of the Virginia Guard.

“It's important that the delegates understand the capabilities that their Virginia National Guard brings to bear in the case of an emergency,” said Maj. Brett McCreight, full time Officer in Charge of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear, High Yield Explosive, Emergency Response Force Package. “Being able to speak fluently about the capabilities and assets that the Virginia National Guard has allows them to make timely and accurate decisions about the things they want to do.”

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Governor and legislators commend Virginia Guard

RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Bob McDonnell and members of the Virginia General Assembly commended the Virginia National Guard for the organization's service to commonwealth and country at a legislative reception sponsored Jan. 18 by the Virginia Guard Officer's Association and Virginia Guard Enlisted Association at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. Delegate John Cosgrove (R-78) and Sen. Mark Herring (D-33rd), co-chairs of the Virginia Guard Caucus, hosted the event.

“It has been a phenomenal year of progress, success, courage and results for the Virginia National Guard,” McDonnell said. “I am here tonight to thank the Soldiers and Airmen of the Virginia Guard for your incredible service and all you have done supporting the missions and interests of the United States of America.”

Approximately 20 Soldiers and Airmen who served on federal active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan were invited to the reception to share their experiences with the legislators in attendance.

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New commander for 192nd Fighter Wing announced

RICHMOND, Va. — Col. Thomas K. Wark has been selected to succeed Col. Brian Turner as the commander of 192nd Fighter Wing based at Joint Air Base Langley-Eustis, according to an announcement made Jan. 12 by Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia.

The effective date for the change of command will be March 4, 2012, and a change of command ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the 94th Fighter Squadron Hanger at Langley Air Force Base. The assignment is a result of Turner's decision to retire and accept a civilian job opportunity.

"Col. Turner dedicated over 24 years of exemplary service to the Nation," Long said in the statement. "As a command pilot, he had more than 3,900 flying hours in the F-16 and the F-22A, including more than 300 hours of combat time in Southwest Asia and the Baltics."

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Virginia Defense Force selects 2011 NCO of the Year

MANASSAS, Va. — The Virginia Defense Force has selected Staff Sgt. Milton Chen of Charlottesville as the 2011 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. In a ceremony held Dec. 17, 2011, Maj. Gen. John Taylor, commander of the VDF, honored Chen and presented him with the award that recognizes outstanding duty performance, knowledge of mission, civic involvement, volunteer hours and completion of various skill-based schools.

Competitors from all over the commonwealth must be nominated by their unit command and compete at the battalion and brigade level before appearing at a Division NCO Board in Richmond.

Chen serves as 1st Sergeant for Charlottesville-based Company C, 33rd Battalion. He is qualified in several of the nine response packages offered by the VDF including Incident Management Assistance Teams and Shelter Assistance Liaison Teams. He is also Military Emergency Management Specialist qualified.

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Gov. McDonnell recognizes Virginia Guard Soldiers during State of the Commonwealth Address

RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Bob McDonnell recognized three Virginia Guard Soldiers from the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 91st Troop Command during his State of the Commonwealth Speech Jan. 11. He also announced support for legislation to give Virginia Guard Soldiers and Airmen in-state tuition.

"Since September 11th, 2001, nearly 14,000 members of the Virginia National Guard have left their families and jobs to defend our freedom," McDonnell said . "Over 230 Virginians have given their lives in the Global War on Terror."

McDonnell attended the welcome home ceremony Dec. 10, 2011, for more than 200 Soldiers from 2nd Battalion who returned to Virginia after serving in Iraq since April. He recognized the battalion’s executive officer, Maj. Carl Engstrom and a father and son who deployed together, 1st Sgt. Kelvin Franklin and his son, Pfc. Quinton Franklin.

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