128 ARW Command Chief's Corner

  • Published
  • By Chief Joseph Parlato
  • 128 ARW
I wanted to use this article to talk about the outstanding Hometown Heroes Award Ceremony we had last month. The event originated from Chief of the National Guard Bureau, (former ANG Director), General Craig McKinley and now retired Command Chief Master Sergeant Richard Smith supported by the states Adjutant Generals and enlisted leaders.

The purpose was a way of showing special appreciation for our members that deployed in support of a contingency operation following the tragic events of 9-11 and the ability to reward these folks and their family members and others who helped influence or supported them.

Many members of our Wing volunteered in countless jobs to ensure our event was top-notch and I offer my personal thanks validated by 128 ARW Commander Col Metzgar's message given during the event of what an outstanding ceremony it was and what an honor it was being a part of the ceremony that everyone can be proud of.

For those of us who have been around for a while, we have seen an increased demand on our state and federal missions without any significant increase in personnel and a budget that continually challenges us to do more with less.

Thankfully, one thing has remained the same and that is our ability to attract good people and retain them. Without good people we couldn't survive and without the support of our families and communities we couldn't exist.

This award ceremony represents a commitment from leadership for all of our personnel home station and over-seas to ensure the mission gets done and our Airman and their families are taken care of.

After leaving the active duty Air Force and joining the 128 ARW, Wisconsin Air National Guard, I'm still amazed and find an appreciation for the caliber of people we have, the accomplishments we achieve and the overall support we have in our community and our Wing's dedication to making a positive difference. I believe that many of you feel the same and consider the 128 ARW unique in our Total Force relationship because we are a diverse group largely comprised of people from the local areas that are expected to meet high standards while our country works through many challenges that test our abilities, commitment and resolve.

In addition to the Air Force Core Values, I believe professionalism, leadership, respect for others, dedication, reliability, trustworthiness, honesty, personal accountability and good communication skills are needed more than ever to help us exceed our goals and objectives as we move forward.


//Signed//

JOSEPH A. PARLATO, CCM WI ANG
Wing Command Chief
128 Air Refueling Wing