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If you want to be in the know about what’s going on at our organization, you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to check back regularly to get our latest news updates.
182nd Command Chief retires after 41 years
Posted on 05/23/2013On August 17, 2013, Chief Master Sgt. Stephen James Eakle will retire after 41 years of service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Chief Eakle enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard in June of 1972. He has served in multiple career fields that include security, training, medical, and logistics.
Four decades of involvement in the military have brought a wide range of experiences for Chief Eakle.
When asked about his best memories in the service, Chief Eakle replied with a description of deployment during the Global War on Terrorism. He deployed as the Command Chief for the 486th Air Expeditionary Wing in 2003 to Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. It was a bare base and civil engineers had not yet arrived to start construction.
more...A Chapter in the Life of a Veteran KC-135
Posted on 05/22/2013If you have fond memories of a beloved old car and wish you still owned it, you may be able to understand the relationship Master Sgt. Dave Brink, a KC-135 crew chief has with his airplane. You may also understand his heartache when he was told his airplane was being taken away from him as part of the recent Defense Appropriations budget cuts. "It's kind of a kick in the pants" said Brink. While technically it is not his airplane, crew chiefs like Brink become so involved with their assigned aircraft, that they can get a little defensive when it comes to the care and treatment of their tail number. "It's like seeing someone else date your old girlfriend-and you didn't cause the break up," Brink added.
more...188th instructs members on dangers of alcohol abuse during awareness event
Posted on 05/22/2013Airmen from the 188th Fighter Wing came together May 12 to take part in the wing's Alcohol Abuse Awareness Day. Invited guests spoke to a full house, sharing their personal stories about the damage alcohol had caused in their lives.
"In the Air Force, we don't tend to have a lot of drug problems, said Geoff Gibson, Wing Director of Psychological Health. "Mostly, it's alcohol. People will drink socially, sometimes to excess, but they can still clean up and do a good job at work during mission hours. Meanwhile, other parts of their life - their marriage, their legal situation - are being eroded."
more...188th Security Forces Squadron deploys 13 Airmen to Middle East
Posted on 05/21/2013It's no secret that the 188th Fighter Wing will see a lot of changes in upcoming years. Even with the uncertainty that surrounds the upcoming mission conversion, 188th Airmen perform a vital role in the overall security of the Unites States. The wing still deploys members to support various types of operations around the state and around the world.
It was for just such a mission that 13 Airmen from the 188th Fighter Wing's Security Forces Squadron deployed to the Middle East recently in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
more...Oklahoma National Guard responds to Moore devastation for search and security assistance
Posted on 05/21/2013Nearly 250 members of the Oklahoma National Guard were assisting Tuesday with victim search and security in Moore, Okla., where a monster tornado left at least 51 dead, including 20 children, authorities said.
The twister hit Monday about 3:15 P.M. CDT, when children were still in two elementary schools in the Oklahoma City suburb.
The tornado, packing winds of up to 200 mph, tore off the roof of Plaza Towers Elementary School and pulverized walls. Volunteers joined first responders who helped rescue children and staff from the devastation, the Associated Press reported.
more...Senior Army Guard leader describes Oklahoma tornado response
Posted on 05/20/2013About 250 Oklahoma National Guard members are helping with recovery efforts after a massive tornado pounded an Oklahoma City suburb May 20, 2013, killing at least 24 people and leaving neighborhoods, homes and businesses flattened or twisted, a senior Army National Guard leader said today.
Oklahoma Guard responds to Moore devastation for search, security assistance
Posted on 05/20/2013Nearly 250 members of the Oklahoma National Guard were assisting, May 20, 2013, with victim search and security in Moore, Okla., where a monster tornado left at least 51 dead, including 20 children, authorities said.
