The Hornet Magazine - April 2017

April 2017

NCNG 2017 Best Warrior Competition North Carolina National Guard Quarterly Issue

Do you have what it takes?

April 2017 www.nc.ngb.army.mil

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Director of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Matthew DeVivo matthew.r.devivo.mil@mail.mil

Media Relations Capt. Matthew Boyle matthew.i.boyle.mil@mail.mil

Community Relations Capt. Michael Wilber michael.j.wilber2.mil@mail.mil

Visual Information Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens brendan.p.stephens.mil@mail.mil

145th Airlift Wing PA 1st Lt. Monica Ebert monica.l.ebert.mil@mail.mil

Pg. 12 NCNG Deploys and Returns

Greetings from the PAO Office

Pg. 14 145th CES Receives Federal Award

Pg. 15 42nd CST Trains With Local First Responders

Greeting from The NC Guard public affairs shop. As the cold days of winter pass and spring begins here in the Old North State, more and more NCNG Army and Air units will conduct their annual training. In this issue we have highlighted the stories and accomplishments about the NCNG during the first three months of 2017. The Hornet has been in circulation for over one year and we are confident that we have met our objective of delivering N.C. Guard stories and information directly to you, your family, friends and supporters of the NCNG. We welcome your ideas for stories and Guard topics to make this publication even more informative and enjoyable to read. Send your ideas to: NCNGPAO@gmail.com. I encourage you to visit NCNG’s social media sites. Simply Internet search “NCNG Facebook, NCNG Flickr, NCNG YouTube and NCNG twitter” to see videos, photos, and more stories about YOUR Guard.

Enjoy your magazine: The Hornet Always Ready, Ready Team -Lt. Col. Matt DeVivo,editor.

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The Hornet magazine is an authorized publication for members of the North Carolina National Guard. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the NCNG, United States Government or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the NCNG. General comments and suggestions should be addressed to NCNGPAO@gmail.com or call 984-664-6847. Layout and design by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

Writers/Photographers Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan robert.b.jordan2.mil@mail.mil Staff Sgt. Mary Junell mary.e.junell.mil@mail.mil Sgt. Jamar Pugh Jamar.m.Pugh.mil@mail.mil

Graphic Illustrator Sgt. Lisa Vines lisa.w.vines.mil@mail.mil

Social Media Sgt. Odaliska Almonte ncngpao@gmail.com

Pg. 20 Tarheel Homecoming

Pg. 24 We Care Golf Tournament supports NCNG

Pg. 30 NCNG Presents Award to Local High School

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On the Cover: A Family Committed to Serve Pg. 18

A NCNG Soldiers makes the fourth generation of the Thomas family who have committed their life to serve the United States of America.

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News From Around The Nest

The NCN G celebra tes their 354th Bir ceremon thday during a y on Marc h 24, 201 in Raleig 7 h, N.C.

W Brig to illia adi to M ms er Fo th ajor , Jr Gen rc e c G . w . R e, om en as o g e S Ill cot man ral, pro er E ., A t m a . d pr Air er, ssis ote F il 1, orc 18th tan d t 20 e 17 Ba Air . se ,

C- A N th 130 C A e th fin ph ir N o a e NC al d tog tio e r to A pl ap nal th ir G oy he Gu e C- uar men d d ard 17 d t ur ai sw bef ing rc itc or ra h e ft. ed

Brig. Gen swears in . Thomas J. Ken ne as the As sistant A tt General, djutant Air for th e NCNG an Oath during of Office ceremon at the No y held rth Caroli na Air Na Guard B tional ase, Cha rlotte Do Internati uglas onal Airp ort, April 1, 2017.

The Wak efield’s S enior Men’s Go lf Associa present a tion $40,000 c the N.C. h e ck to Soldiers and Airm Assistan en ce Service M Fund and the embers S upport Services on Feb. 6 , 2017.

Click the buttons below to check out our social media pages and stay up to date on what’s happening in your Guard!

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STEM N.C. Steel Brigade Soldiers completed drill at the North Carolina National Guard’s Camp Butner Training Center in Stem, North Carolina, held 10 – 12 Feb. The Soldiers of the 113th Sustainment Brigade kept their skills sharp with tactical training, driver familiarization and a communication exercise.

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Click here to see more photos!

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MORRISVILLE N.C. Dozens of NCNG Soldiers, friends and staff bid farewell to formerly full heads of hair to the buzz of electric clippers and laughter of colleagues and family at their St. Baldrick’s event in Morrisville, North Carolina, held after work, March 31, 2017.

Soldiers of NCNG Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) #1, shaved the heads of their friends and fellow Soldiers as part of the event that raises awareness of the need for childhood cancer research supported by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

This was more than helping a good cause but support for one their fellow NCNG aviators, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Doug Watkins whose daughter has been cancer free for five years.

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Click here to see more photos!

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CHARLESTON S.C. During the last week of February, the 42nd Civil Support Team -Weapons of Mass Destruction trained at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in S.C. where they honed their maritime skills by practicing ship boarding from moving and nonmoving vessels, drown proofing, vessel awareness, and conducted a ship inspection exercise.

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Click here to see more photos!

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A Hero Among Us NC Air Guardsman receives the North Carolina National Guard Soldier and Airman Medal for heroism

Story and Photos by Tech. Sgt. Julianne Showalter

On a routine PSA Airline flight on July 21, 2016, from the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky., to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, N.C., a belligerent passenger threatened the safety of the crew as well as the others. Maj. Nathan Barron of the 156th Airlift Squadron, who is also a civilian pilot with PSA Airlines, acted decisively and courageously by tackling and subduing the passenger.

“He verbally threatened a flight attendant, and then assaulted a 12

different flight attendant when we were pulling into the gate. At that point, I felt like I had to defend my crew and neutralize the threat. I restrained him on the floor until law enforcement arrived,” said Barron.

For Barron’s actions, Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk, the Adjutant General of North Carolina, commander of the North Carolina National Guard, awarded him the North Carolina National Guard Soldier and Airman Medal for heroism.

“You don’t have time to think.

You just react to the situation and I applied the proportional amount of force needed to restrain the individual. I put him in a head lock, took his feet out from under him, and took him to the ground,” said Barron.

As Captain of the Bombardier CRJ-700 aircraft, Barron felt the need to protect those aboard his plane. Because of his actions, the flight attendant as well as other passengers were not harmed.

“This is a new medal and it’s the first time this has happened. We do

Army Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk (left), the Adjutant General of North Carolina, commander of the North Carolina National Guard, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Swart (right), the Command Sergeant Major of the North Carolina National Guard, give a round of applause to Air Force Maj. Nathan Barron, after presenting him with the NCNG Soldier and Airman Medal for heroism.

Army Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk, pins the NCNG Soldier and Airman Medal for heroism onto Air Force Maj. Nathan Barron.

Air Force Maj. Nathan Barron, 156th Airlift Wing, shows his family the NCNG Soldier and Airman Medal for heroism.

things every single day that make a difference in the world, and to have one of our Airmen actually recognized for going above and beyond is great,” said Col. Troy Gerock, commander of the 145th Airlift Wing.

Barron has been a full-time pilot with PSA Airlines for nine years, but also puts on his military uniform to pilot C-130 Hercules aircraft for the 156th Airlift Squadron. During his 14 year military career, Barron has deployed five times and is preparing

for his sixth later this spring.

Barron’s wife, Jennifer, was not surprised by the events when her husband told her the news.

“I got the phone call, and I could tell he wasn’t himself. He told me what happened, and of course the first thing that came to my mind was his safety. It didn’t surprise me at all that he wasn’t caught off guard, and that he acted in a cool manner to take care of the situation. It was comforting to know that he was Johnny-on-the-spot, intervened, and

everyone was okay,” said Jennifer Barron.

Barron stood humbly as Lusk pinned the medal onto his lapel during a presentation in front of his fellow Airmen and said, “It’s an honor for the Adjutant General to take time out of his busy schedule to come down to present the medal in front of the whole squadron to show his support for me. It’s wonderful to have my family here too. You can’t do this job without strong family support.”

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Urban Search and Rescue North Carolina National Guard Firefighters Train Rescue Operations

Story by Capt. Matthew Boyle Photos by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens 14

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Instructors from the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron, train airmen from across the country in high rope rescue techniques and confined space rescue operations here at the 145th Regional Training Site in Stanly County, Feb. 13, 2017.

The training is called Urban Search and Rescue I and it teaches students rope techniques, how to repel, high line technique, how to package a victim safely and how to retrieve victims from confined space such as a rubble pile or damaged building. The instructors are airmen and seasoned firefighters stationed at the CharlotteDouglas International Airport.

“Chavez where is that anchor supposed to be,” said U.S. Air Force

Airmen from across the county navigate the confined space rescue course at the 145th Regional Training Site in Stanly County, Feb. 13, 2017.

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Staff Sgt. Jeret Kinnaird, a firefighter for the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron as he instructs students how to properly secure a rescue rig. “Dual high line is about to go up,” said Kinnaird.

Airmen of all ranks and skill levels are welcome to attend the course.

Many Air National Guard firefighters also work for municipalities and towns as firefighters. This training gives them an opportunity to get FEMA level training that their hometown department may not have access to.

At the core of the course are 12 knots, students must be able to memorize these knots and demonstrate them before moving on to using other equipment. The

students learn how to use racks, pulleys and anchor straps to create the high rope rescue rig.

“When they can put it all together and perform at a high level, they are ready to conduct a real-world rescue,” said Tech. Sgt. Gabe Boulware, an instructor and firefighter for the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron.

The 145th Regional Training site in Stanly County, is one of only four in the U.S., serves a wide range of customers from all branches of the U.S. military (Active, Guard and Reserve), international forces, federal and state law agencies and others.

The site and personnel are committed to and capable of supporting both federal and state missions.

Instructors from the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron, train airmen from across the county in high rope rescue techniques and confined space rescue operations.

Air Force Joseph Chavez from the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard performs a confined space rescue here at the 145th Regional Training Site in Stanly County, Feb. 13, 2017.

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NCARNG’s MCP-OD Supports All American Division Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw

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The North Carolina Army National Guard's (NCARNG) Main Command Post-Operational Detachment (MCP-OD) is conducting a four-day individual duty training event, other wised known as a drill weekend, alongside their 82nd Airborne Division counterparts here Feb. 4-7, 2017.

The MCP-OD is a subordinate unit of the NCARNG’s 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, but it is aligned to the 82nd. It’s an augmentation force for the All American Division comprised of intelligence, logistic and other mission critical military occupational specialties.

The Army consists of three components: the Regular Army, commonly called the active component or active duty Army, and two reserve components, the

Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. The Regular Army and Army Reserve are federal entities while the Army National Guard forces are state organizations until activated or mobilized for federal missions.

For nearly 50 years the Army has been using a multi-component unit (MCU) design to integrate elements of the three components in an effort to enhance its overall operational design, mission capability and combat effectiveness.

The MCP-OD is the Army’s latest addition to the MCU concept.

“The (82nd Airborne Division’s) MCP-OD is a new unit that was just stood up last year, and I’m very excited to be a part of it,” exclaimed Spc. Nikete Finley, a NCARNG soldier who recently transferred to the

MCP-OD. For Finley the new unit represented a unique opportunity to do something a majority of guardsmen don’t experience throughout their military careers.

“My (previous) unit in Raleigh gave me information about an opportunity to become airborne and the first chance I got, I jumped on it,” explained Finley, grinning.

It is a reserve component organization that is stood up to supplement a Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHB) of an active-duty division command post.

It provides expandability for the

Staff Sgt. Jason Gillis, the operations noncommissioned officer in charge for the North Carolina Army National Guard’s Main Command Post-Operational Detachment (MCP-OD), prepares to operate the Engagement Skills Trainer by test firing an M4 carbine replica at Fort Bragg, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017.

headquarters by providing increased capacity for the main command post and HHB. The MCP-OD will increase the capabilities for simultaneous execution of missions, extended operations, and/or support forward deployment of the HHB. U.S. Army Maj. James McVeigh, the administrative officer of the MCPOD, explained that since the MCPOD Soldiers only work four days every other month, “We can’t help them with the day-to-day operations so our bread and butter is the warfighter. That’s what we’re designed for. That’s where we come in and

support, if they deploy.”

This support is critical, as the Army’s force structure changes have reduced division-level staff manning.

This isn’t the typical NCARNG unit, instead of conducting a monthly drill weekend, the MCP-OD typically drills every other months between four and six days, depending on the unit’s mission and training requirements. When they do drill, they train side-by-side with their 82nd Division counterparts to ensure that if they’re deployed, will be in sync with the Division’s battle rhythm.

“We try to focus on the key

aspects of the job through repetition, especially during their two week annual training,” said Sgt. 1st Class Terry Dambrowski, the land, ammo, and schools manager for the 82nd’s HHB. “That repetition and hands-on training is what really helps.”

Dambrowski is a five year veteran of the Missouri Army National Guard.

These organizations are at the forefront of the MCU concept. They have only been standing up across the Army for the past couple of years, but they’re already receiving high praise from senior ranking leaders.

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Defying the Odds: NCNGs 2017 NCO Best Warrior 20

Kirkpatrick competes in the swim test during the 2017 NCNG Best Warrior Competition.

The North Carolina National Guard’s 2017 Best Warrior Competition is a grueling event for all its participants. The four-day, multi-event contest takes the top Soldiers and NonCommissioned Officers (NCO) from the state’s major commands and tests them physically and mentally to find the best of the best.

The Best Warrior Competition features obstacle courses, weapon proficiency, military knowledge, and a host of other trials that push the competitors to the edge of their training. Army Sgt. Joshua Kirkpatrick, of the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, won the NCNG NCO Best Warrior of the year, and his drive to win is about his personal struggle.

Kirkpatrick is a type 1 diabetic.

Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. David McLean

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“That was the motivation behind why I came to this competition, because from day one when I was diagnosed with diabetes, constantly they were telling me that I’m unfit for the Army,” said Kirkpatrick.

“They said there’s no way I can compete with everybody else, and constantly I showed them I could.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In this form of the disease, the pancreas does not secrete insulin, and only five percent of people with diabetes have this form of the disease.

Under current Army regulations, individuals with diabetes are prohibited for initial entry into military service.

Kirkpatrick was not always a diabetic. He was diagnosed in the summer of 2014, three years after he had enlisted in the NCNG as an AH-64 Apache Longbow Helicopter armament and electrical repair specialist. This medical condition has derailed many of his long-term goals and dreams, and he fights to even stay in the military.

His father, retired Marine Stephen Kirkpatrick, said his son had a goal of becoming an officer and a helicopter aviator, and he enrolled at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 2012. He received numerous accolades and awards for outstanding performance and even elevated to the President of the Scabbard and Blade, a fraternal

club organization for the ROTC unit. Two years later, his diagnosis changed his course.

“We were all upset about the situation,” his father said. “And he was subsequently told he could not be in the ROTC program with his medical problem and medically dis-enrolled in August 2014.”

This also forced Kirkpatrick to change his major to criminal justice, and his fight to stay in had just begun. The NCNG also started proceedings for discharge from the Guard.

“He felt let down a bit more when his dream to serve his country seemed to be slipping away,” said his father. “With several calls to the chief medical office in Raleigh we faxed and emailed his request for a medical board just before the mandatory discharge deadline date. Through research and study, Joshua ate all the proper foods and drinks.

He exercised regularly, always staying in top physical condition.

He went and had his blood work done, and surprisingly brought his blood sugar levels down to an acceptable level.

The board reviewed his unit’s recommendations and medical findings and found him fit for duty.”

Kirkpatrick was selected by his aviation unit to represent them in the BWC, and he said his disease is not an issue.

“Honestly, there are no difficulties when participating in these events, because I have been dealing with this for so long,” said Kirkpatrick. “It’s really easy for me to control.”

Kirkpatrick said most of the

competitors can eat what they want and run it out and not worry about it, but he has to keep an eye on what his body is doing. He also checks his blood sugar levels before meals and bedtime.

“I have to watch what I eat, I can’t have too much sugar or if I go low I have to have sugar,” said Kirkpatrick. “It’s a constant balancing.”

His unit sponsor for the event, Staff Sgt. Robin Pascoe, also said Kirkpatrick was well prepared to deal with the events of the competition.

“I’m just making sure he is pacing himself,” said Pascoe. “I keep asking him about his food and his intake, and his blood sugar. Coming into this, he didn’t need very much help in terms of his training or knowledge, because he already knew all of that stuff. I’m here to remind him of the little things because in high-stress situations, some things can slip your mind. I’m here to keep him motivated, to keep him on top of his game and help him remain strong.”

After winning the competition, Kirkpatrick said he looks forward to the next level in Kentucky for the National Guard Bureau Regional competition.

“As for the next level of competition, I've already proved what I set out to do,” said Kirkpatrick. “Everything else is just further demonstrating my capabilities as a soldier. That being said I'm still going to give it my all.”

SGT Joshua Kirkpatrick tests his blood sugar following an event during the Best Warrior Competition on March 7, 2017.

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ourteen Soldiers and Airmen from across N.C. represented each of our Major

Subordinate Command and competed to be named Best Warrior in the North Carolina National Guard's Best Warrior Competition at Camp Butner National Guard Training Center, March 4-10, 2017.

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competition put the Service Members to the test mentally and physically. Upon arrival on day one competitors completed registration and started off the competition with writing an essay. The start of day two began immediately with the test of physical endurance with the Army Physical Fitness Test followed by the obstacles course,

The Best Warrior 2017 26

various weapons maintenance tasks, a mystery event, and a day and night land navigation course to conclude the day.

Soldiers and Airmen were further tested the next morning with a twelve-mile road march where comradery during a grueling time was at its best, the Guardsmen kept each other motivated to complete the road march. After some well deserved nourishment, day three continued with individual weapons qualification, M4/M9 Pistol qualification, a stress

shoot course of fire, Urban Operations that included evacuation of a casualty, and a call for fire.

With their minds stressed and the body exhausted, a much different test ended the competition on day four. The Soldiers and Airmen faced a board of senior NCNG leaders with more than a hundred years of combined military experience as part of their final tasks and in hopes of being named the Best Warrior.

An award ceremony was held in the evening of the fourth day to announce the winners. The two categories consisted of the non-commissioned officer

category and the Soldier/ Airmen enlisted category. Sgt. Joshua Kirkpatrick representing the 449TH Theater Aviation Brigade placed 1st in the NCO category and PFC Kyle Smith representing the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade placed 1st in the Soldier/Airmen enlisted category. The runner-ups are Staff Sgt. Michael S. Bailey representing the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and Spc. Jacob D. Lamb representing the 113th Sustainment Brigade. After the awards ceremony competitors enjoyed dinner with their peers, sponsors and supporters.

Click here for more photos of our Soldiers in action and follow us on facebook here to get updates on how our Soldiers do at the regional competition!

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Emerald Warrior Photos by Senior Airman Shelby Kay-Fantozzi

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North Carolina Army National Guard aviators joined U.S. and partnernation military peers at the Emerald Warrior 2017 exercise held at Hurlburt Field, Fla and throughout the Southeast U.S. including Eglin Air Force Base, Avon Park and other areas in Northwest Florida; Camp Shelby in Mississippi; Melrose Range in New Mexico; Fort Knox in Kentucky in March.

Emerald Warrior is an annual Department of Defense exercise that focuses on irregular warfare and hones special operations forces air and ground combat skills. The exercise allows participants to execute advanced tactical scenarios and strengthen joint war-fighting relationships for future deployments.

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NC GUARDSMAN RESCUES PILOT FROM BURNING PLANE Story by Lt. Col. Matthew Devivo

A single-engine plane crashed in a field at approximately 4:30 p.m. here, on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017.

Within minutes of the crash, North Carolina Army National Guard Sgt. Charles Roper was pulling the pilot from the burning cockpit.

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Roper was on his way to pick his children up from school when he noticed a plane flying very low, almost at tree top level.

"I was running late on the way to pick up my kids driving up Jamestown road when I noticed a plane flying really close to the tree tops,” said Roper. “The plane took a nose dive like it was doing a crazy stunt. It never came back up.”

Roper saw the plane crash and immediately put his truck into 4WD, driving through ditches and farmland

to get to the crash site.

According to a Morganton News Herald, authorities believe the plane started its flight from the Silver Creek Airport, less than a mile from the crash site.

“When I pulled up I saw the plane and it was on fire with plane parts in trees, the propeller in the field and the pilot was in the plane, just lying there,” said Roper. “It all happened so fast, I didn't even have time to call 911. I rushed out of my vehicle and ran to the burning plane.”

A single-engine plane crashed in a field at approximately 4:30 p.m. in Morganton, N.C., on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017. Within minutes of the crash, North Carolina Army National Guard Sgt. Charles Roper was pulling the pilot from the burning cockpit. Roper saw the plane crash and immediately put his truck into 4WD, driving through ditches and farmland to get to the crash site. (Photo courtesy of Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office) Army Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk (left), the Adjutant General of North Carolina, commander of the North Carolina National Guard, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Swart (right), the Command Sergeant Major of the North Carolina National Guard, stand with Sgt. Charles Roper after presenting him with the NCNG Soldier and Airman Medal for heroism during a ceremony held March 24, 2017. (Photo

by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan)

Roper, a full-time mechanic at the NC Guard’s Lenoir Field Maintenance Shop # 2 and a military police officer in the 210th Military Police Company, based in Silva, said that the fire was all around the pilot and that he was yelling at him to get out of the plane, but the pilot was motionless.

“Fire was all around him and he was strapped in with the same type of seat belt harness we use in the Guard,” said Roper. “I reached in and pulled the quick release and I pulled him out of the plane. All I could think of was it exploding so I drug him away from the plane. He was moaning and grunting and I told him to hang on.”

Roper is no stranger to helping rescue people in dangerous situations.

He was a Morganton public safety officer for 6 years and responded to many car wrecks, house fires and other adrenalin pumping emergencies.

Others came to assist Roper and

helped him pull the pilot further from the burning wreckage and on to the back of a pickup truck.

The pilot was safe but Roper’s assistance was now needed by the first public safety officer to reach the crash site.

“Kim Davis, a Morganton Public Safety Officer arrived with a fire truck, and since I use to be a Morganton PSO, asked me to help pull the hose close to the plane while she turned the water on,” said Roper. “I straightened out the hose and Kim turned on the water and I manned the hose and helped get the fire under control.

Soon after that, I could hear more EMS pulling on to the scene.”

Roper stated that once the fire fighters took the hose from him it was the first time he could take a breath and relax. He noticed his arms and jeans were bloody.

“I got with an EMS worker and

grabbed a lot of baby wipes and cleaned off my arms as good as I could,” said Roper. “I told EMS I was leaving. I didn't want to stick around.

I was just glad I could play the part of a Guardian Angel”.

Roper got into his vehicle and continued on his way to pick up his children before local news made it to the crash site.

According to local authorities, the pilot was taken to a Charlotte hospital and received lacerations to the face and was "bruised and banged up" but expected to fully recover.

Roper’s training as a member of the North Carolina National Guard and as a civilian first responder allowed him to respond quickly and decisively.

His actions are the embodiment of Citizen-Soldiers living and serving in the communities they have sworn to protect.

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NCNG Aviators win large Story by Sgt. Lisa Vines

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or the third year in a row, Detachment 17 Operational Support Airlift, of 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, based out of Morrisville, was named the Joint Operational Support Airlift Center’s (JOSAC) Unit of the Year, Large Aircraft Category, for fiscal year 2016.

The award was presented to the unit here, January 30, 2017.

JOSAC is the

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single manager for scheduling all of Department of Defense’s continental United States Operational Support Airlift requirements.

The Soldiers of Det. 17 received this award based on their performance with the C-26 aircraft for their number of missions, flight hours, joint-service support, aircraft status accuracy, cooperative spirit, flexibility and

e aircraft unit of the year professional attitude.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Tyrone Mullins, commander of Det. 17, a unit of less than 10 crew members and pilots, spoke proudly of his soldiers and the unit’s success.

“I’ve got a good group of guys and a good chain of command,” said Mullins.

Flexibility is the key to Det. 17's success, since JOSAC can call at any time for short notice missions.

“They can call anytime,” said Mullins.

“We are easy to work with because we are always available on short notice.”

The C-26 crew has completed multiple missions locally and internationally, including Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico and Afghanistan.

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north carolina National guard

education & employment center The NCNG Education & Employment Center serves as an one-stop-shop for all employment needs. Veterans sign up with the EEC through our website and are assigned an employment counselor that assists them through every step of the employment process. The EEC has continued expanding and currently has an employment counselor for every region of the state.

Our counselors prepare veterans for interviews and network with local employers to give those veterans the best shot at a civilian career.

If your resume has not produced results, it’s time for a change. Local HR representatives have given your employment counselor the tricks of the trade and they have the connections to get you interviews.

We can’t give you the job but we can give you the tools to be successful.

Sign up online at ncngeec.com or contact us at (984) 664-6463.

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