Air Force general to visit 186th ARW

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June 1, 2009

By Brian Livingston / staff writer The Meridian Star Mon Jun 01, 2009, 10:52 PM CDT

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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