RENO, Nev. – Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited the Nevada Air National Guard base here March 3 as a speaker for the first Nevada Air National Guard Leadership Summit.
The event served as a capstone leadership conference with military speakers emphasizing the Nevada Air National Guard's force development initiative.
Force development ensures Airmen have the tools they need to take on leadership roles as they progress in rank, said Col. Mitch Sperling, 152nd Airlift Wing vice commander and Leadership Summit executive planner.
During the event, Lengyel spoke to a crowd of about 400 Nevada National Guard Soldiers and Airmen about leadership and the future of the National Guard.
"Getting the opportunity to participate in the development of our future leaders of the National Guard is probably one of the most important things I do," said Lengyel, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serving as the Department of Defense's official channel of communication to the governors and state adjutants general on everything related to the National Guard.
Chief Master Sgt. Bill Moore, of the 152nd Medical Group, said he enjoyed hearing Lengyel's perspective on the National Guard.
"For me, even in the positions I've been in over the years, I haven't gotten that direct perspective, which was pretty cool to see," Moore said. "For him to take time out of his day to speak with us was a great honor for the Nevada Air Guard."
Other Leadership Summit speakers included Nevada football head coach Jay Norvell, University of Nevada, Reno professors Bill Kuechler and Yvonne Stedham, Western Nevada Supply owner Rick Reviglio and Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Reecy, South Dakota Air National Guard Headquarters superintendent.
The unit began planning the event last spring as part of its force development initiative, in hopes that Lengyel would attend, Sperling said.
Brig. Gen. Ondra Berry, the assistant adjutant general of the Nevada Air National Guard who also spoke at the event, has worked with Lengyel in the past and both expressed a common interest in force development and ensuring equal opportunity among Airmen during the event.
"I am relentless about force development and providing growth opportunities for the Airmen who are asked to operate and compete within the framework of our total force," said Berry, who in addition to his position in Nevada serves a federal dual assignment as the assistant to the assistant secretary of the Air Force, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. "This is just the first step in a long journey, but I'm certain that together we will be able to establish a lasting legacy in leadership that will be a model for the entire National Guard."
Force development is one of the five priorities of the Nevada Air National Guard. The Nevada Air National Guard's other four strategic priorities are readiness, care for members and families, diversity and community.
"We want it available to everyone," Sperling said. "Force development is a way to get equal opportunity ideas and development to everybody and then whoever aspires to use those, and grow, can."
The Nevada National Guard plans to continue these types of leadership events with more in the future, Sperling said.
Lengyel's visit marked the first time in five years a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited Reno.
"I know this is the first time we've had a four star on the base in a long time," said Capt. Robert Simpson, the 152nd Airlift Wing installation deployment officer. "Just to hear his perspective and where he wants to take the National Guard in the future makes for a very rewarding experience."
Lengyel said he enjoyed Reno and was happy with what he saw at the base.
"It's great," Lengyel said. "It's a beautiful place. It's a great National Guard."