State Legislature honors Washington National Guard

The Washington State Legislature celebrated the accomplishments of the Washington National Guard during concurrent House and Senate sessions on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.

“I find it to be a tremendous honor to represent the 28th District and our National Guard members, whether it was during our COVID response or during other tremendous deeds in our community. What I appreciate about our National Guard is their service beyond themselves and their commitment locally and to answer the call to service any time,” said Sen. T’wina Nobles, who represents the 28th District, which is home of Camp Murray.

Nobles was one of 15 members of the Legislature that joined the Washington National Guard for an informational visit and air refueling flight mission in August 2022. During that visit, guests got a closer look at what Guard members do both here at home and overseas to support our state and nation. Sen. Phil Fortunato from the 31st District also took part in that visit, and reinforced Sen. Nobles remarks.

“When we look at the National Guard, we are looking at a force that we train to go to war. But when we need help at the food banks, who do we call –the National Guard. (When we need) help with vaccination administration

– the National Guard. When you need additional security at the capitol, the National Guard. So it’s not only just what they are doing in the defense of our country overseas, but what they are doing domestically during times of need,” said Fortunato.

Rep. Dan Bronoske, who represents the 28th District, served six years in the Washington Army National Guard and shared his praise.

“It has been 20 years since I last put on my fresh pressed and starched uniform, but it was a real honor to be in that position and gives me a unique perspective of what they go through,” said Bronoske. “When we federally activate our Guard members we put them in harms way, just like any other active-duty member of our military and they do that with the utmost bravery.”

Freshman member, Rep. Travis Couture, 35th District, is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He stood for his first speech on the floor to express his thanks and appreciation.

“I salute those of the Washington National Guard and further honor their courage, their commitment, and their valor, and their selfless service to those of us in this state,” said Couture.

Another Navy veteran, Rep. Brandy

Donaghy, 44th District, also praised the Guard. Donaghy’s district is home of the Snohomish Armory and the 176th Engineer Company. She visited the armory last year to learn about the unit’s work across the state during construction projects, fighting wildfires and while overseas when deployed to the Middle East and participating in exercises in Thailand.

“The Guard supports communities, it supports our neighbors, our families, our states. It supports our nation,” Donaghy said. “But I think it's incredibly important that we also recognize that to support the guard doesn't mean just supporting the unit, it means supporting every individual who has served and recognizing their sacrifice, recognizing the value of their willingness to step up and take the oath.”

“These last few years we have asked a lot from our men and women in the Guard, and your support to them has been critical,” said Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, assistant adjutant general and commander of the Washington Air National Guard. “From funding our education bill, ensuring they are paid a fair rate during wildfire support and engaging with them during our COVID missions meant a lot to them.”

The Wingman Project Council from the 194th Wing was recently presented with the 2021 National Guard Excellence in Diversity Award for their accomplishments that champion inclusion, foster belonging, and forge unity through personal accountability, shared experiences and collective action.

“Diversity is not just about race,” said Senior Master Sgt. Naziroh Brockman, 194th Wing human resource advisor. “It’s all our values, how we think and feel, how we view the world – and the Airmen want to be heard.”

The council acquired certifications in Four Lenses personality-type training, a Diversity and Inclusion course, and the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act Loop concept. Council members also used a Remesh Inc. survey technology system to provide real-time, anonymous metrics to uncover what potential issues people were facing in the workplace. They then formulated professional development briefings and programs to address those issues head on.

“The idea that drove the Remesh survey and got the council started was all of the civil unrest and political divisiveness that arose in our society,” Brockman said. “We were lucky to have our 194th Wing Commander, Colonel Kenneth Borchers, lead the way to let the Airmen know that all Airmen matter, we are not excluding anyone, and we want to hear what you have to say.”

Brockman said that having Borchers’ support was probably the biggest advantage in the success of the council. Volunteers and hand-selected Airmen formed the Washington Air National Guard’s Wingman Project Council. They also have representation from human resources and Equal Opportunity to add some formality.

“This national award is a testament of the work of the 194th Wing and our entire organization and recognizes the important strategies we have carried out to encourage a more diverse and inclusive organization,” said Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the adjutant general.

The Washington Military Department’s efforts to be more diverse and inclusionary began several years ago under the late Command Sgt. Maj. Abby West.

“Abby left such a legacy here and I know that we are trying to live up to that and continue to show why diversity matters,” said Master Sgt. Susie Lopez, the state equal employment manager.

Working with the National Guard Bureau’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (NGB/DEI), Lopez has raised awareness and highlighted the contributions and service opportunities within the National Guard. The agency, under a directive from Gov. Jay Inslee, also leads a Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) committee to ensure that everyone employed or served by the Washington Military Department is treated with fairness,

dignity, honor, and respect

“We are always looking to educate and showcase our organization’s diversity,” said Lopez. “Because of the work we have done to raise awareness, we now have DEI reps in every major subordinate command working to educate others on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Helseth, 194th Wing first sergeant, said the entire wing stepped up, participated, and strengthened the wing’s resolve to keep the topic of diversity at the forefront of what it means to be a member of the Washington Air National Guard.

“Working with the Wingman Project Council has been, and continues to be, an inspirational part of my life,” Helseth said. “Here is a group of Airmen – enlisted and officers, junior and senior – that gather to discuss the ramifications of diversity and inclusion in our society, and how that can and should intersect with the Air Force. The very topic of diversity is not an easy one to approach. But true change in culture does not happen easily.”

Brockman said the council thrives due to team consistency.

“This award reflects our consistency as a team,” Brockman said. “Holding hard conversations, creating workshops, and having civilian guest speakers gave an unbiased approach to educate us on how people work together, as well as helped drive the narrative and reach people in new ways of how we can respectfully work together in the military and embrace new ways of thinking.”

The council encourages younger Airmen to join. Brockman said she is excited about the new perspectives they will bring to help leadership know what Airmen need to feel like they belong.

“It’s really about them, and how we bring them up to be diverse leaders so they can better lead their Airmen in the future,” Brockman said. “We have found it’s the little things that add up and make people not want to serve – so it’s how can we mitigate those things and have those conversations to make Airmen feel comfortable to discuss the challenges they face in their work environments and let them know they’re not the only one who is struggling.”

Borchers is adamant on encouraging leaders to participate in the workshops, learn new perspectives to help the Airmen feel more included, and make sure everyone is on the same page.

“We have a great team,” Helseth said. “The council is willing to stand up for something that is important if not always popular. This award is a direct reflection of the 194th Wing as a whole, the connection to the Wingman Project Council, and the forward-leaning nature that we have as a large entity.” - Story by

Seattle Air Route Traffic Control Center members visit Western Air Defense Sector

The Federal Aviation Administration and the Western Air Defense Sector have a long-standing interagency working relationship to support Operation Noble Eagle (ONE). The control of the North American airspace is a primary mission for NORAD under ONE which focuses on threats that may originate within the U.S. and Canada. WADS, under the command of NORAD, identifies, monitors, and tracks suspect air traffic approaching and traveling through North American airspace. WADS closely coordinates air defense activities with the FAA to monitor the airspace and respond to assistance and emergency situations and to enforce temporary flight restriction areas.

To assist with WADS and FAA federal interagency coordination, the FAA has a dedicated Senior FAA Representative that works inside the WADS facility daily. The two organizations like to conduct familiarization tours of each other’s facilities where personnel can gain firsthand knowledge of how each organization conducts its day-to-day operations which allows for a big picture understanding of why the relationship is important to national security.

"The relationship between the Seattle Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), Northwest Oregon System Support Center (SSC), and WADS is a significant piece to both of our missions,” explained Eric Bigelow, Northwest Oregon SSC airway transportation systems specialist and tour coordinator. “An improved understanding of each other's roles and familiarization between the people executing the mission will provide opportunity to spark collaborations while also giving greater purpose to the people doing the work. These services complement each other, and it is in the publics best interest that we continue doing exactly what this is—focus on inter-federal relationship building, sharing resources, and ever preparing for impending disasters.”

On Jan. 18, 2023, members of the 225th Support Squadron visited the FAA Seattle ARTCC in Auburn, Washington. In return, members of the Seattle ARTCC visited WADS the following day. The feedback from the attendees emphasized that these visits have inspired them to see the big picture at the Seattle ARTCC and WADS. These types of exchanges allow for a better understanding on how any changes made at each organization can have impact on the other thus allowing more comprehensive understanding of the people and processes which they must integrate with on a daily basis. - Story and Photo by Kim Burke