FARGO, N.D. — A North Dakota National Guard Airman will join an elite group of leaders during a May 2 ceremony as another distinguished leader from the 119th Wing retires leaving behind the last Vietnam veteran serving in the North Dakota Air National Guard.
Chief Master Sgt. David G. Harmon, Fargo, will assume duties as the new Command Chief for the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard during a change of responsibility ceremony scheduled on May 2 at 3 p.m. at the 119th Wing.
"Chief Brad Childs has performed exceptional well as the 119th Wing's senior enlisted airman," said Maj.Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard. "Under his superb leadership, the Happy Hooligans have successfully transformed to new missions and have effectively supported the Global War on Terrorism, significantly contributing to the great reputation enjoyed by the North Dakota Air National Guard. Additionally, Chief Harmon's experience and leadership ability makes him the perfect choice to assume the important duties as the Wing's Command Chief."
The position of Wing command chief is the senior enlisted Airmen in the unit taking precedence over all other members who hold the rank of chief master sergeant.
"Only one percent of all enlisted Air Force members hold the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and within that group are a select few who attain the position of Wing Command Chief. Command Chief Master Sgt. Harmon clearly represents the best of our best and we are fortunate to have him serve as our next Command Chief," said Col. Robert Becklund, 119th Wing commander.
The ceremony will also honor the outgoing Wing Command Chief, Command Chief Master Sgt. Brad W. Childs, Walcott, N.D. who will be retiring on Saturday after 35 years of military service.
"I am unable to articulate how much Command Chief Master Sgt. Brad Childs has done for this organization over his decades of service with the 119th and most notably as our Wing Command Chief," said Becklund.
In 2007, the 119th Wing ended their 60-year mission flying fighter aircraft and began their current missions flying the MQ-1 Predator and C-21 Lear Jet. Childs worked in the placement office ensuring that all displaced personnel found new careers with the new missions of the unit.
"Command Chief Master Sgt. Brad Childs led us through the most dramatic conversion this unit has ever faced. I can say without reservation that we would not have been able to transition as successfully as we did without him. We are excelling in all our new missions because our organization was shaped by his tireless efforts and expert management of our workforce realignment. We are fortunate to have had Chief Childs working with us all these years and he will certainly be missed."
The ceremony will also honor Vietnam veterans currently serving in the 119th Wing. Childs and Senior Master Sgt. Curt E. Knutson, Page, N.D., are the remaining two Vietnam veterans currently serving in the North Dakota Air National Guard.
Knutson will retire from the North Dakota Air National Guard in November after 20 years of military service.
"This will be the final year that we will have Vietnam Veterans serving in the North Dakota Air National Guard. This is an important chapter in the unit's history that will soon be closing," said Maj.Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota Adjutant General. "Taking a moment to honor these Airmen for their sacrifices and continued service during a time when our country needed them most is the right thing to do. Their service will not go unrecognized by younger generations of Americans."
The North Dakota Patriot Guard Riders will be present at the ceremony to commemorate the Vietnam Veterans portion of the event.
| Date Taken: | 04.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.30.2009 18:50 |
| Story ID: | 33070 |
| Location: | FARGO, US |
| Web Views: | 282 |
| Downloads: | 207 |
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