FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, the 28th chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently made a visit to several Pennsylvania National Guard facilities, where he gained a better understanding of how the commonwealth's Soldiers and Airmen are contributing to military missions around the world every day.
"It's always good for me to get out of Washington, D.C., and meet the men and women who are serving our nation as members of the National Guard, serving our nation all around the world protecting us and keeping us safe," Lengyel said.
Several Soldiers and Airmen had an opportunity to interact with Lengyel during his visit.
"It was great to meet Gen. Lengyel. He was very interested in the quality of training the troops were getting in preparation for hosting the Lithuanian Army. The Soldiers really enjoyed his visit and we're appreciative of the time he spent with them," said Maj. Gerald Mothes, executive officer for 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division. "It's definitely a day to remember."
The CNGB started his visit with a trip to the 111th Attack Wing at Horsham Air Guard Station, where he met with wing leaders and Airmen assigned to cyber and remotely piloted aircraft missions. His next stop was to the 193rd Special Operation Wing in Middletown, where he enjoyed lunch with the wing's Airmen. Finally, he traveled to Fort Indiantown Gap to meet with members of the joint headquarters staff, and observe Soldiers from the 28th Infantry Division during training exercises.
During his visit Lengyel also thanked service members for their continued dedication to the mission.
"We ask an immense amount of personal and professional sacrifice every day for these people to be part of what we do to keep our nation safe and our nation needs the National Guard," Lengyel said.
"My message is to thank our members, and thank their families and employers for supporting their service in the Pennsylvania National Guard."
Pennsylvania is home to the nation's fourth-largest National Guard, composed of more than 19,000 Soldiers, Airmen and civilian personnel.