Fall 2019 The Arctic Guardian

Tech. Sgt. Ezra Pitzer, 168th Operation Support Squadron air crew flight equipment technician, dons a cold water emersion suit for a training video Oct. 19, 2019, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The cold water emersion suit will be used by a KC-135 air crew in the event of a cold water emergency. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Shannon Chace) Commander’s Corner

“Practice makes permanent” detailed in our National Defense Strategy. I first read that quote in a safety article when I was However, the engine that drives all of our success is Chief of Safety and the sentiment has stuck with me you! Our people are our greatest asset. As you are well ever since. The cliché, of course, is that “practice makes aware, it takes grit and resilience to live and work in the perfect,” but I think what more accurately reflects our interior of Alaska. To be successful we need to continue life in the real world is that practice makes permanent. to foster a culture of teamwork and family. We must also The daily repetition of our actions becomes the find ways to innovate and leverage the multitude of skills standard. that you possess. “If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you Our commander of the Alaska Air National Guard, develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an Brig. Gen. Scott Howard, has set the goal for our state to exception, it is a prevailing attitude.” — Colin Powell be at 95% personnel end strength by Oct. 1, 2020. This is My goal for us all is that we strive for excellence a lofty but completely achievable goal! in all of our endeavors. “Excellence, not perfection” We have awesome recruiters, but to accomplish this as Chief Master Sgt. (retired) Jim Wolverton would goal they are going to need your help. Recruiting and often remind me. To this end, we need to embrace a retention must be every member’s mission. I need you to debrief culture where we can honestly evaluate each be an evangelist for the Alaska Air Guard. I ask that you other’s performance without fear of reprisal. The goal is continue to make this a place you are proud to be part of improvement and the standard is excellence. and spread the word in our community. My vision for you, Guardians of the Last Frontier, You are the best group of Airmen with which I have is that we are ready Guardsmen, committed to mission ever had the pleasure of serving. I am honored to be excellence. That we are people-focused Airmen embracing a your commander. culture of respect, teamwork and family. My priorities while I serve as your commander are Best! Mission, Readiness and People. Mission (or Lethality) and Readiness are leadership focus areas from our Col Rich Adams SecDef on down through our TAG and ATAG and are 2 Guardians of the Last Frontier welcome new 168th Wing commander

Story by Master Sgt. Natalie Stanley 168th Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE During the ceremony BASE, Alaska — Col. Adams thanked his family Richard Adams assumed for their continued support command of the 168th as he begins his new Wing, Alaska Air National command. He also shared Guard, from Col. Bryan his vision for the wing White during a change moving forward. of command ceremony “Mission, readiness and here Oct. 20. Brig. Gen. people,” he said. “I want to Scott Howard, Assistant make sure everyone in the Adjutant General, Alaska wing understands the vital Air National Guard was the role that you play in our presiding officer. mission success and I charge Howard praised the wing our leaders to ensure that and its members during every Airmen in our wing is the ceremony. an expert at their craft and “You and every knows their direct link to individual wing member mission excellence.” is and always have been “There will be a test, it the core, the key and will be graded and group foundation of the Alaska commanders, I’m looking at Air National Guard’s you,” Adams said. Col. Richard Adams accepts the guidon from Brig. success,” Howard said. Adams said his ambition Gen. Scott A. Howard during the 168th Wing change “I look forward to what command ceremony October 20, 2019, at the base for the wing is for every Col. Adams and all of theater, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Prior to his Airman to become an you can accomplish in current position Adams served as the 168th Operations advocate for the Alaska Air the coming years.” Group commander. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by National Guard. Adams assumed Senior Airman Shannon Chace) “I want recruiting and command of the retention to be every wing after serving as the commander of the 168th member’s mission,” he said. Operations Group, a position he had held since May Adams said he hopes to leverage the skills of the 2018. Airmen and resources to build a stronger wing. Adams was commissioned in 1991 as a distinguished “The most important aspect of all of this though is graduate through the ROTC program at the University our people,” Adams said. “It takes grit and resiliency to of Colorado, Boulder. In 2004 he transferred from the live in the interior [of Alaska].” active-duty Air Force to the Alaska Air National Guard.

3 Kile assumes command of 168th Operations Group

Story and photo by Senior Airman Mae Frazier 168th Wing Public Affairs Col. Brian D. Kile assumes EIELSON AIR FORCE command BASE, Alaska — Col. Brian Kile of the assumed command of the 168th 168th Wing Wing Operations Group, Alaska Operations Air National Guard, from Col. Group, Alaska Air National Richard Adams during a change Guard, from of command ceremony here Oct. Col. Richard 19. Col. Bryan White, 168th Wing G. Adams commander, was the presiding during a officer. change of Kile assumed command of the command group after serving as director ceremony Oct. of operations of joint staff at 19, 2019, at Joint Force Headquarters, Alaska Eielson Air National Guard, Joint Base Force Base, Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Alaska. He was responsible for providing direct oversight of more than 4,000 personnel in two Air National Guard wings and two Army Guard brigades during domestic operations events. new 168th Wing commander. Kile asked the Kile enlisted in the Air National Amongst many accomplishments, group to trust he Guard in 1990 as a loadmaster Kile has held numerous leadership will make decisions with the best with the 210th Rescue Squadron positions throughout his career and intentions and that he will ‘go to bat’ before being selected into the flew over 600 hours on 139 Rescue for his new team. undergraduate pilot training Coordination Center missions, During the ceremony, Kile program in 1998 when he resulting in 158 combat saves. thanked his family for their transitioned into the officer corps. “What my biography doesn’t read continued support as he moves “You are the perfect person at this is that I am a football coach,” Kile forward in his career. moment to take over this group and said. “This is very similar to my “I am loyal to Alaska, the National carry out the mission,” said Adams, leadership style. I am a coach first, Guard, and as your leader I will be the relinquishing commander of the especially when it comes to carrying loyal to you,” Kile said. 168th Operations Group and the out our no-fail mission.”

4 168th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron welcomes new commander

Lt. Col. Jennifer Casillo, 168th Maintenance Group commander, passes the guidon to incoming 168th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Lyle Langston, Alaska Air National Guard, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 16, 2019. Prior to taking command of the 168th AMXS, Langston was the executive officer and director of staff for the 168th Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Adam Keele) 213th Space Warning Squadron welcomes new leader

Lt. Col. Joshua Sprague accepts the guidon from Col. Brian Kile, 168th Operations Group commander, during the 213th Space Warning Squadron change of command ceremony at Clear Air Force Station, Oct. 21, 2019. Sprague assumed command of the 213th SWS from Lt. Col. Michael Scadden. Prior to assuming command he was the 213th SWS director of operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Natalie Stanley) 5 The healing power of Kansas

An Airman with the 168th Wing visits with Kansas, the wing's therapy dog July 22, 2019, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

Story and photos by Senior by starting conversations, creating a Once the application was approved a Airman Shannon Chace positive work environment and opening trainer from the organization brought opportunities for Airmen to get to Kansas to Alaska and provided Excited voices echo down the hall know each other. familiarization training for Lorenz. and people start leaning out of their Lorenz explained that she had “She showed me how to work with offices to see what is happening. Soon a the idea of acquiring a therapy dog the dog and all the basic commands, we group of Airmen are gathered together for the wing after talking with other started bonding, Kansas and I,” Lorenz talking. In the middle of it all is a yellow professionals in the field. said. lab wagging her tail. “I had heard how they were like magic Master Sgt. Jason Dandurand, 1st Sgt. The dog’s name is Kansas. Wearing and how people would come just to see with the 168th Mission Support Group, a blue vest decorated with various the dog and be so thrilled,” Lorenz said. provided a letter of recommendation squadron patches that mark her as a “When people walk into my office their for Lorenz during the application therapy dog, she and Jane Lorenz take face just lights up, so I know I made a process and said he is excited to have a routine walk around the wing to visit good decision.” Kansas join the wing support staff. Airmen in their shops. The process of acquiring a therapy “When you have a dog, or any Jane Lorenz, director of psychological dog was relatively easy, she said. animal, there tends to be guards that health for the 168th Wing, acquired a The wing commander wrote a letter drop with folks,” Dandurand said. therapy dog for the wing to promote approving a therapy dog. “Having Kansas really opens up the open communication between herself With the commander’s green light avenue of conversation and getting to and the Airmen of the wing. Kansas Lorenz submitted an application to the know people better.” helps break down interpersonal barriers nonprofit organization Southeastern Lorenz explained one of the Guide Dogs in Florida. challenges of being the wing DHP is the 6 Staff Sgt. Lynn Pilj, 168th Maintenance Squadron unit training manager, spends time with Kansas the Alaska Air National Guard 168th Wing therapy dog at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 22, 2019.

perception people have about mental with a group of people smiling and health and seeking help. talking. These conversations often help “I think there is a stigma with mental coworkers connect more with each health where people don’t want to talk other. about it, but I think [Kansas] helps “They end up talking about their dog, break that stigma down,” Lorenz said. the benefits of dogs, asking questions “They come in and see that I am just a about Kansas,” Lorenz said. “They normal person, a social worker there to find common ground with Kansas, help.” something positive, something that they Although mental health is an enjoy talking about.” important aspect of the job, the DPH As Kansas breaks away from the office is available to help Airmen circle of Airmen and Lorenz says problem solve and provide resources goodbye, the pair begin making for any type of concern. By starting their way to another shop. But the conversations, Kansas creates an Airmen stay together a little bit longer, approachable environment where the conversation about life and its people can find the resources they need. experiences continuing. “Having that availability to start a “In the Guard everybody knows conversation, even if it’s through the everybody, but just because we see each dog at first, it allows Airmen to connect other and we recognize each other, we Staff Sgt. Lynn Pilj, 168th to people who can provide them the don’t really know what is going on in Maintenance Squadron unit resources to help them with whatever people’s life,” Dandurand said. “Having training manager, spends time with they are struggling with,” Dandurand Kansas here really opens up the Kansas the 168th Wing therapy dog said. opportunity to become even better of a at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, When Lorenz and Kansas are around Guard family here at the 168th. July 22, 2019. the wing it’s common to find them

7 “We are going to end the year with a bang, and a new goal for the future!” -Staff Sgt. JeanPaul Williams, 168th Wing Force Support Flight services craftsman

The 168th Wing services team will offer a fitness clinic during regularly scheduled drill weekends catered to all fitness levels. The goal of the program is to educate and guide wing members to a healthy lifestyle, improve fitness levels and help members pass the Air Force fitness test. Each session will consist of up to a 5-10 minute warm-up followed by 30-40 minutes of circuit training, concluded with a 5-10 minute cool down. Circuits will include both anaerobic and aerobic selection of exercises.

WHEN: Saturday of RSD @ 0630 WHERE: Baker Field House CONTACT: Staff Sgt. Julian Colema Staff Sgt. Jean-Paul Williams 8 Out and about in the wing

Above: Col. Bryan White, 168th Wing commander, promotes Lt. Col. Kevin Clifford, 168th Wing vice wing commander, to the rank of colonel in a brief ceremony Aug. 6, 2019, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Adam Keele) Left:Chief Master Sgt. James Wolverton, 168th Wing command chief, speaks at his retirement ceremony Aug. 3, 2019, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Adam Keele)

Medical technicians from the 168th Medical Group operated a mobile flu shot line around the 168th Wing over drill weekend at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 21-22, 2019. Bringing the A 168th Wing KC-135R Stratotanker flies flu shot to members allowed for more efficient use of time over over Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. drill, while allowing Guardsmen to keep up to date on medical 6, 2019. (U.S. Air National Guard photo requirements. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Adam by Staff Sgt. Adam Keele) Keele) 9 The Committee for Active Recruiting and Retention We Want YOU

By 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Carter

Hello Guardians,

You are invited to participate in the 168th Wing’s Committee for Active Recruiting and Retention. What does the CARR do?” Like the name suggests, we coordinate with our recruiters and raise awareness of all the awesome opportunities the 168th has to offer. The CARR consistently aims to spread the 168th Wing’s name throughout the Fairbanks North Star Borough community. The CARR has so far been responsible for Bring a Buddy, delicious breakfast burrito sales, and Wing t-shirts. You can find us at many community events! The CARR, attends various Job Fairs, and hosts 168th Open Houses. But you know what? We need MORE ideas and we need YOU. The 168th is a great place to work and we need your help to better advertise our Wing. So, if you want to (hint: think EPR/OPR) “spearhead” activities; if you want to be the “best and brightest;” or if you want to “single-handedly establish” a promotional event, COME TO OUR MEETINGS! The CARR meets bi-monthly (typically on Tuesday or Thursday). We have many new ideas we are discussing to improve recruiting and retention. What we need is you and your ideas and your contacts in the community that will help us get the word out about the guard. For information on the next when and where Contact Chief Ling.

10 Local SARC Hotline: 907-347-6689 377-1500 (ask for SARC)

DoD Hotline 24/7: 877-995-5247 (Confidential) Rape Crisis Center: 907-452-2293 Suicide Careline: 877-266-4357 Dr. Keith Ellis, 168th Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

More photos available at www.dvidshub.net/unit/168-WG

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Maew White dowses her husband, Col. Bryan White, former 168th Wing commander, with water for his fini-flight Oct. 31, 2019, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Francine St Laurent) 11 The Arctic Guardian 375 Tanker Rd. Eielson AFB, AK 99702 (907) 377-8734 usaf.ak.160-arw.mbx.arw-public-affairs@ mail.mil

Command Wing Commander Col. Richard Adams Vice Wing Commander Col. Kevin Clifford Command Chief Chief Master Sgt. Teresa Renson Inspector General Complaints Public Affairs Staff Resolution Program (CRP) / Fraud, Public Affairs Officer Waste & Abuse (FWA) Reporting 1st Lt. Francine St Laurent Public Affairs Superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Paul Mann 168th Wing IG: 907-377-8754 JFHQ- Broadcaster Master Sgt. James Michaels AK IG Hotline: 1-800-398-6061 Staff Sgt. Adam Keele SAF/IG Hotline: 1-800-538-8429 Photojournalist DOD IG Hotline: 1-800-424-9098 Master Sgt. Natalie Stanley Senior Airman Mae Frazier Senior Airman Shannon Chace Personnellist Senior Airman Class Amber Bowers

This Department of Defense newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the DoD. Contents of The Arctic Guardian are not necessarily the official views of, or Follow us on endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the DoD. The editorial content of this publication www.facebook.com/168thWing/ is the responsibility of the 168th Wing Public Affairs Office.

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