JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — November is National American Indian Heritage month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. During this time, the United States honors and celebrates the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of America's indigenous people. One such person, currently serving in the Alaska Army National Guard, is Capt. David Bedard, commander of the 134th Public Affairs Detachment, who also serves during the week as the civilian public affairs specialist for the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard.…Click to read the full story.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Airmen of 176th Wing nearly swept the 2020 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award slate, taking three of four categories at the National Guard Bureau level.
Lt. Col. Jessica Pisano, 176th Maintenance Squadron commander, won the senior officer category; Capt. Matthew Soukup, 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II aircraft commander, won the junior officer category; and Master Sgt. Gary Keller, 176th Security Forces squad leader, won the senior NCO…Click to read the full story.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Every general and sergeant major serving in the Army National Guard today, began their military career as a bright eyed, new recruit. Along the way, each of them was mentored and inspired by Soldiers who pushed them to pursue a high standard of professionalism and excellence. In the Alaska Army National Guard, our newest Soldiers get their first taste of that type of mentorship and leadership when they enter the Recruit Sustainment Program…Click to read the full story.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued an injured hiker Oct. 25 at Byron Glacier, southeast of Anchorage near Portage.
Alaska Air National Guard Capt. Daniel Warren, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center senior controller, said the authorities on scene from Anchorage Fire Department, Girdwood Volunteer Fire Department and Alaska State Troopers contacted the AKRCC to request hoist extraction of the victim…Click to read the full story.
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Wing was unveiled showcasing a new tail flash on the wing's aircraft, Oct. 15.
The 168th Wing continues to have strong ties to local communities in interior Alaska as the "hometown Air Force." In collaboration with Tanana Chiefs Conference, the 168th Wing established a commitment to honor interior communities on the wing's aircraft. The first KC-135 revealed last week honors the village of Minto, one of nine Alaska interior communities that will be represented on 168th Wing Stratotankers…Click to read the full story.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued a hunter injured in an ATV accident Oct. 7 near Metal Creek northeast of Anchorage.
Alaska Air National Guard Maj. Kevin Kelly, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center deputy director, said the hunting party used a satellite communication device to contact the Alaska State Troopers who then contacted the AKRCC…Click to read the full story.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Since mid-August, Alaska Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 176th Force Support Flight Sustainment Services who are local to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough area have been volunteering their time to assist the Five Loaves, Two Fish Kitchen in Wasilla.
“As a force in readiness, the relevancy of the National Guard increases through the flexibility of these Airmen,” said Alaska Air National Guard Master Sgt. Franz Deters, the senior noncommissioned-officer-in-charge of the volunteer effort…Click to read the full story.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — The renowned innovation strategist Max McKeown described adaptability as “the powerful difference between adapting to cope and adapting to win.” McKeown’s words highlight the necessity of intentional, proactive leadership. The winds of change can transform into progress in the hands of driven, equipped leaders.
…Click to read the full story.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Chief Warrant Officer Two Paul Gillquist woke up for his weekend training the morning of Sept. 13, 2020 expecting to perform a routine training mission aboard his Uh-60 Blackhawk helicopter. For three years since flight school graduation, Gillquist honed his piloting skills, awaiting the opportunity to have his training put to the test outside the scope of notional scenarios…Click to read the full story.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — From early June, to mid August Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen Capt. Roger Tran and Capt. Jamie Bowden both assigned to the 103rd Civil Support Team, augmented the Alaska State Public Health laboratory by processing COVID 19 samples for testing.
Over the course of approximately 21 days of testing, totaling more than 148-man hours, the two officers tested 11,426 samples…Click to read the full story.
