Command Chief Master Sgt. Anderson visits 114th Fighter Wing

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Nancy Ausland
  • 114th Public Affairs
SIOUX FALLS S.D. --  The highest ranking officer and enlisted member of the Air National Guard visited the 114th Fighter Wing here, Nov. 5 2016.

Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, ANG director, and Chief Master Sgt. Ronald C. Anderson, command chief master sergeant of the ANG, spent the day at the unit speaking to Airmen, touring the facilities, and participating in a recognition ceremony which recognized Airmen recently selected as the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2016.

Anderson has been to Sioux Falls, before, and his wife is a native of Brandon, South Dakota, which gives him the opportunity to spend time here with family.

"This is a little bit like coming home to me, while I'm not a real fan of the cold weather I love the wide open spaces here," Anderson said during an enlisted call with more than 650 enlisted members of the unit.

Anderson spoke to the Airmen about his and Rice's priorities as new senior leaders of the more than 105,500 Air National Guard members across the United States.  He addressed the idea of the 21st Century Guard Airman and what that means for the future of the Air National Guard.

"Today's Airmen are innovative and we need to tailor our professional military education to fit their strengths and needs," Anderson said.
Other priorities include the modernization of our force and the readiness of our members.

"The reason we are here is because we want to understand what is important to the members of the South Dakota Air National Guard," he said. "We spend a lot of time at the Pentagon making decisions about the ANG but none of that really makes a difference unless we understand what it is that makes our Airmen successful."

Anderson closed out his address by reminding Airmen that they are the face of the Guard to their communities.

"I want you know that your community gets a sense of comfort knowing that the Air National Guard is here," said Anderson.  "When they see you perform, they appreciate you, as I do, and I want you to take care of yourselves and take care of each other."