The Capital Guardian - Spring 2011

Commanding General’s Column
We are a talented and
committed organization
I was pleased to see our soldiers and airmen
taking part in the Nationals Opening Day.
Thanks to all those who volunteered to make it
happen. It’s important to show our pride and
for the community to recognize we’re here
doing a great job. Unfortunately, we weren’t
able to do the F-16 flyover because of cloud
cover, but the Nationals appreciated our efforts
to get approval and coordinate the event.
There is no better place to show off our talents
than at large events such as this one.
Congratulations to the 113th for a job well
done on their recent inspections. As you know,
the 113th Wing spent many long, hard hours
this past year preparing for three inspections,
the Unit Compliance Inspection, Health Services
Inspection and Logistics Compliance Assessment
Program. The Wing did a great job; they
passed all inspections including a 95 percent
compliance rating on the UCI. In all, there were
127 inspectors working at the unit over a fourday
period.
To top that off, the Wing received the First
Air Force/Continental U.S. NORAD Region
Meritorious Service Award for outstanding
mission accomplishment. They were recognized
for their important role flying Air Sovereignty
Alert missions to protect the capital after the
9/11 attacks. Our fighters have now surpassed
2 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / Spring 2011
3,000 alert missions, the most of any unit
in the nation.
The Wing also promoted three NCOs
to chief master sergeant, a rank attained
by only 2 percent of the enlisted force.
Promotion to chief allows us to reflect on
both an exemplary career to date, as well
as look forward to an opportunity to
demonstrate even greater leadership in
the future. We were particularly pleased
to celebrate the promotion of three very
qualified leaders: Chief Master Sgt. Louis
R. Keeler, 113th Equipment Maintenance
flight superintendent, Chief Master Sgt.
Kevin W. Kling and Chief Master Sgt. James
T. Mathews, both of the 113th Maintenance
Squadron.
The DC Guard hosted its annual Joint
Prayer Breakfast recently. The theme for the
year was Faith in the Face of Persistent
Conflict. When we look at the world around us,
we see conflict everywhere. The U.S., as a
leader in the free world, regularly plays a role
in most conflicts. We, as men and women in
uniform, realize the burden directly when we
are called to leave our homes and families
behind and serve our country.
The Prayer Breakfast is a joyous time to
come together as men and women of the DC
Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz
Commanding General
National Guard, but it also reminds me how
important spiritual support can be in times of
war. When our operations tempo is as high as
it is now, the stress we experience is great.
It’s critical that we remember to take care of
ourselves and to take care of each other.
Fortunately, we have help: chaplains, Family
Services, co-workers and commanders are
there for you. You can rely on them for understanding
and support. A shared burden is much
lighter, so don’t shoulder the burden alone. If
you need help, ask for it. If someone you know
can use a hand, be there for them and help
them find the help they need.