New Mexico Minuteman - Summer 2011 - Keep Trees

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As Wyatt took the podium he put his notes away telling fellow Guard members. “I have two pairs of glasses, I think I am ready….I just want to talk to you from the heart about the future, your future (as Guard members).” “I have had a close relationship with the 150th (Fighter Wing). I have a fondness for the ‘Tacos.’ I know that it is diffi cult to give up the F-16 mission. There is an uncertainty…but I am proud of you for how well you are making the change and your aggressiveness. The 150th has a proud legacy, and I now you will be best at what you do, even through the uncertainty. We don’t want to lose the most valuable asset the Air National Guard has — you,” the director told the formation. “Be ready for change, understand the challenges you will face, be ready for 20 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Summer 2011 Lt. Gen. Wyatt speaks to Air Guard troops as they rally to the new changes for the 150 th Wing By Tech. Sgt Kathee Mullins, 150 th Public Affairs Offi ce The maintenance hangar was fi lled with anxious Air Guard troops waiting to hear guidance on the new mission and upcoming changes. Director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Harry “Bud” M. Wyatt made a visit to the 150th Fighter Wing of the New Mexico Air National Guard at Kirtland Air Force Base, as Air Guard members started the transition from the old mission to new ones. changing landscapes. You now have a bright future. Adjutant General (Kenny) Montoya was courageous. He pressed forward, carrying the ball, respectfully asking the right questions. Command Chief (Master Sgt. Christopher) Muncy was your eyes and ears, for the ANG, for you. It is diffi cult to get out of your comfort zone for a new mission, but you are at the front end of change at the ANG. I applaud you for what you have done and what you will get done,” Wyatt told the Guardsmen and women. Wyatt spoke of the Red Horse mission and the upcoming integration with the 58th Special Operations Wing. He told them how the new missions will give Guardsmen and women the chance to have vital capabilities for stateside and overseas. Because of the New Mexico Air National Guard’s proactive stance, the general said not only were they facing a great future but were in the forefront of the cyber experience and that would in turn give future capabilities with force protection sets of the future. The director and his staff went throughout the 150th Wing complex meeting fellow Guard members, recognizing outstanding Airmen with general coins and shaking hands, answering questions and becoming more familiar with one of his many Guard families. Richard Rico, director of staff for the Air National Guard Readiness Center said, “It is great to get out to see the people, sometimes we don’t get to do it enough. It is very rewarding. We get re-invigorated seeing the young Airmen.” Air Guard Command Chief Muncy spoke to the troops at a later formation about the bright future for the 150th Wing and her members. “This unit is awesome. The Tacos are ready for the change, have the right mind set and you can weather the change. Guardsmen can do anything! Tell your story. The 150th has a story, a heritage — tell that story; tell your story. We can blame the rest of the world or we can accept it on ourselves and make it better. Be proud of what you do!” said Muncy. Col. Frederik G. Hartwig, 150th Wing commander, thanked Wyatt and his staff for their visit to the unit. “Your coming here shows the Airmen their relevance and how important they are, as a whole and individually,” said Hartwig. “We continue to look at the big picture here at the 150th.” The New Mexico Air National Guard continues to change as the needs of national defense, both humanitarian and militarily, change. The Tacos were federally recognized on July 7, 1947, as the 188th Fighter Bomber Squadron. The New Mexico Air National Guard has undergone several aircraft conversions throughout its history, including the F-80, F-100, A-7D and F-16C. Major accomplishments of the unit include: fi rst Air National Guard unit to receive the F-100 and A-7D fi ghter aircraft, fi rst Air National Guard unit to receive the Low Altitude Night Targeting Infra Red Navigational system equipped F-16C fi ghter aircraft, fi rst Air National Guard to be assigned to the prestigious Rapid Deployment Force, fi rst Air National Guard unit to participate in Bright Star joint service exercises in Southwest Asia, fi rst Air National Guard unit to receive the Low Altitude Night Attack modifi cation to the A-7, fi rst Air National Guard unit to participate in a deployed bare base operational readiness inspection, and fi rst Air National Guard unit to have a crew chief as
“ The 150th has always been good at what they do.” – Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt a member of the Air Force Thunderbirds. Members of the New Mexico Air National Guard have been activated during the Korean Confl ict, Pueblo Crisis during the Vietnam Confl ict, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and have a long heritage as defenders of state and national security. “I am so impressed with what this Wing has done. I am thoroughly impressed by the Wing, the top leaders; high to low, and how they have embraced the new mission. Change is hard, even good change (is hard). I feel that when we look back, we will be glad we made the change. We have to take it one piece at a time, day by day, but we have to make (the effort) everyday. The 150th has always been good at what they do, I don’t see the 150th ever going away, (this particular mission as a Fighter Wing has), but the 150th Wing is more encompassing with bigger shoes to fi ll,” Wyatt said. The new missions coupled with the loss of the F-16 aircraft are a big change for the New Mexico Air National Guard, but as always, the ‘Tacos’ are ready for the challenge. Summer 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 21
Page 3 and 4: Governor Susana Martinez Bob Ulin P
Page 5 and 6: Colonels earn one star By Sgt. Suza
Page 7 and 8: Cadre includes: Col. Michael Montoy
Page 9 and 10: GUARD HOSTS ANNUAL BATAAN FESTIVITI
Page 11 and 12: (Above) 1st Sgt. Charles Bouyer and
Page 13 and 14: By 1st Lt. Brian Raphael, 150th Fig
Page 15 and 16: JOINT AGENCY TRAINING By Sgt. Suzan
Page 17 and 18: The fi rst fi ve training scenarios
Page 19 and 20: AS ENERGY COSTS INCREASE, USE MUST
Page 21: CSM retires after 39 years of servi
Page 25 and 26: Service before Self: A way of life
Page 27 and 28: Summer 2011 / NEW MEXICO National G
Page 29 and 30: Pfc. Alfredo Salazar, C Company, 1s

New Mexico Minuteman - Summer 2011 - Keep Trees

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