Local News
Air Force general to visit 186th ARW
Even if U.S. Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley doesn't shine any light on upcoming missions for the Mississippi Air National Guard contingent in Meridian this morning, the visit by the National Guard Bureau Chief and principal advisor to the U.S. Army and Air Force Chiefs of Staff should do a great deal in showcasing the installation as a place where continued air missions are warranted.
On the invitation of 186th ARW Commander Col. Franklin Chalk, McKinley agreed to a stopover visit to tour the facility. During his time on the ground, McKinley is scheduled to be briefed on air missions conducted by the wing's KC-135 tankers, tour the MC-12 Project Liberty training facility and view other operational segments of the wing.
"We wanted the opportunity to show the general what we have been doing here in terms of our mission and the MC-12 training," said Chalk Monday morning. "We are naturally proud of what we do here and we are thankful the general is taking time out from his very busy schedule to spend a couple of hours with us."
McKinley is also slated to speak to the men and women of the 186th ARW. Chalk doesn't think, however, the general will be able to tell them anything in terms of what future air missions may be coming to Key Field.
"I think it will be a pep talk of sorts to just thank our airmen and women on the job they've been working so hard to accomplish," said Chalk. "I doubt very seriously we'll get any earth shattering news of any sort."
Still, the fact such a high ranking officer who can be so influential to the future of the Mississippi Air National Guard at Key Field and Meridian will be here can't hurt.
"I don't believe he's ever been here before so yes, this is a great opportunity for us," Chalk said.
Appointed by the President, McKinley serves as principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on National Guard matters. He is also the principal adviser to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on all National Guard issues. As National Guard Bureau Chief, he serves as the department's official channel of communication with the Governors and Adjutants General. As Chief, he is the senior uniformed National Guard officer responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, programs and plans affecting more than half a million Army and Air National Guard personnel.
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Honing Skills
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Of course these volunteers don't get paid for their service, and although some are retired, there are many, like Bo Land from the Martin community, who work full-time and have a family.
That means volunteer fire department members must train nights and weekends. -
MPD probing weekend incidents
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Deadly accident claims two lives
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Partnership formed to promote fire safety
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Happy Birthday Meridian
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2010 is Meridian's sesquicentennial, and the celebrations here will begin this week and go on for the rest of the year. -
Navy League accepting scholarship applications
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Arbor Day program set for Tuesday
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Fans show team spirit at Temple viewing of Super Bowl XLIV
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Star of The Week: Megan Mowdy
Meridian Community College Sophomore Megan Mowdy lives to sing, and she loves to share her passion for music.
20-year-old Megan is a Kemper County resident, and her love of music helped her to become the first member of her family to attend college. -
4-H leader is driving force behind community service
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Newton’s business and civic leaders have always expected a visit from Johnnie Mae Walker on behalf of the annual 4-H bike-a-thon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, but they grew worried when other people appeared in her place.
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