Command Chief Master Sgt. of the Air National Guard visits 114th Fighter Wing

Photo By Master Sgt. Christopher Stewart | Chief Master Sgt. Ronald C. Anderson, Air National Guard command chief master sergeant, visits with Technical Sgt. Ryan Haase, 114th Maintenece Squadron fuel systems mechanic, during his visit to Joe Foss Field, Nov. 6, 2016. As the highest level of enlisted leadership, Chief Anderson is responsible for matters influencing the health, morale, welfare and professional development of more than 105,400 Air Guard members. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Master Sgt. Chris Stewart /Released)  

SIOUX FALLS, SD, UNITED STATES

11.06.2016

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Nancy Ausland 

114th Fighter Wing

Chief Master Sgt. Ronald C. Anderson, command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, has been to Sioux Falls, S.D. before. His wife, Miss Amy, is a native of Brandon, S.D., giving him the opportunity to spend time here with family in the past.
“This is a little bit like coming home to me, while I’m not a real fan of the cold weather I love the wide open spaces here.” said Chief Master Sgt. Anderson, during his enlisted call with more than 650 enlisted members of the unit.
Anderson spoke to the Airmen about his and Lt. Gen. Rice’s priorities as new senior leaders of the more than 105,500 Air National Guard members across the United States. He addressed the idea of the “21st Century Guard Airmen” and what that means for the future of the Air National Guard.
“Today’s Airmen are innovative and we need to tailor our professional military education to fit their strengths and needs.” commented Anderson.
Other priorities include the modernization of our force and the readiness of our members.
“The reason we are here is because we want to understand what is important to the members of the South Dakota Air National Guard. We spend a lot of time at the Pentagon making decisions about the ANG but none of that really makes a difference unless we understand what it is that makes our Airmen successful,” said Anderson.
Lt. Gen. Rice and Chief Master Sgt. Anderson spent the day at the unit speaking to Airmen, touring the facilities, and participating in a recognition ceremony which recognized Airmen recently selected as the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2016.
“I want you know that your community gets a sense of comfort knowing that the Air National Guard is here. When they see you perform, they appreciate you, as I do, and I want you to take care of yourselves and take care of each other,” closed Anderson.

• Date Taken: 11.06.2016
• Date Posted: 11.06.2016 16:47
• Story ID: 213978
• Location: SIOUX FALLS, SD, US