ANG Command Chief Visits Milwaukee Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
  • 128th Air Refueling Wing
Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher E. Muncy, command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, toured the 128th Air Refueling Wing during a visit to Wisconsin's Air National Guard bases on Sunday, January 8, 2012.

Command Chief Muncy spoke with several Airmen during his time on base, and he had the opportunity to dine with 15 Airmen during lunch at Sijan Hall. During his luncheon, Muncy shared his perspectives on the Air National Guard, the 128th Air Refueling Wing, and the future of our citizen-Airmen organization.

Changes are coming to the Air National Guard, said Command Chief Muncy.

"There won't be a base or Wing exempt," he said as he explained that the severity of any changes will be the measurable factor in the future. "The 128th has done a great job, but you can't rest on your laurels . . . we have to keep leaning forward."

Muncy further explained that the strength of the Wing, the dedication of the Airmen of the 128th Air Refueling Wing, will yield the long-term benefits regarding the Wing's longevity in the Milwaukee community and the Air National Guard.

A key talking point for the 128th Air Refueling Wing during the Air Force Association conference was the Wing's contributions to the operations in Western Europe, Muncy said.

"The speed of the response was impressive," he said. "Within six hours of the president asking for assets, the Air Guard was ready. That was a highlight for the Air National Guard and the 128th."

To the Airmen of the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Command Chief Muncy said, "Thanks for what you do. Thank your families. Your employers."

While the Air National Guard has a growing role in military affairs--the National Guard recently received an appointment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff--the Airmen are the driving force of the citizen-Airmen military component, Muncy said.

"I need Airmen to tell their story: who you are and what you do," Command Chief Muncy said. "Tell our Air Guard story."

Muncy went on to say that the coming budget cuts require Airmen to share their roles in the Air National Guard. He said that most people aren't aware of the Air National Guard, so it is up to the Airmen of the 128th Air Refueling Wing to inform the public about the Wing and the Air National Guard.

As the command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, Command Chief Muncy oversees the enlisted force. Moving forward, the Air National Guard will endure through a combination of top-level leadership and day-to-day operations that are conducted by Airmen such as the enlisted force and officer corps of the 128th Air Refueling Wing.