JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. - The Air National Guard's highest ranking enlisted leader emphasized the contributions of National Guard Airmen in shaping the foundation of the United States during a visit to the District of Columbia Air National Guard here, April 17.
Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy, Air National Guard command chief, spoke to enlisted members at an informal town hall meeting, during which he encouraged Airmen to tell their story and emphasized the importance of doing so.
"Are you telling your story?" Muncy asked the group. "Are you telling them who you are as an Air Guard [member], because that is the only way they are going to know who you are."
As budgets throughout the Air Force continue to shrink, educating the total force about the importance of the Air Guard's role continues to shrink proportionately, Muncy said.
As one example, the Air Guard-specific instruction at the Air Force Senior [Noncommissioned Officer] Academy is one hour long, for an 18-week course. The Air Force recently proposed cutting this session out of their curriculum completely, he said.
"In D.C., how are Congressional members going to know that this is the money we need, this is the equipment we need, how do they know ... by you telling your story," Muncy said.
"We have an identity crisis. People need to know who we are. It is a budget fight and it is escalating, and is now trickling down to defense."
"Our biggest strength is our Airmen." Muncy said.
" I enjoy coming out to the units getting to talk to them, getting to hear their [stories], hear their needs, see what they are doing and to see how proud they are of their mission."