Director of the Air National Guard visits 136th Airlift Wing

  • Published
  • By Airman Cody Witsaman
  • 136th Airlift Wing/ Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JRB, Texas --  Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke, director of the Air National Guard visits the 136th Airlift Wing here August 21, 2013. Clarke had other engagements in Dallas and made it a point to visit the local Air National Guard base since he had the opportunity.

 Airmen from around the wing were able to sit and talk with Clarke during a luncheon and discuss topics ranging from ANG budget, deployments, and his own personal history in the Air Force.

Throughout the luncheon Clarke was very attentive showing "that [each Airmen' s] questions and concerns were important to him; so important that he wants to address them one on one at a sit down for lunch," said Tech Sgt. Carolyn Tatum, logistics pans specialist, 136th Logistics Readiness Squad.

"Ask me anything," said Clarke.

It was apparent to the Airmen involved in Clarke's visit that he cares what each Airmen has to say and how each individual supports the ANG through their work and leadership.

After the luncheon, Clarke coined four deserving Airmen of the 136 AW for their outstanding achievements. He thanked each Airman and challenged them to use what they have learned thus far to mentor their fellow Airmen.

On being asked what the coin meant, Tatum said, "I was accepting the challenge to mentor and groom others to the standards of the Air National Guard."

Clarke continued his tour by visiting different shops around the wing. Clarke as able to get a firsthand look at the Airmen and Family Readiness program, and was able to learn about the Transition Assistance Program for deployed Airmen returning after 180-day deployments with no jobs awaiting them. The 136 AW is one of two hubs in the entire nation, the other is Phoenix, Arizona.

"The classroom can hold up to 50 veterans at one time," explained Mrs. Heidi Bearden, Airmen and Family Readiness program manager, 136th Airlift Wing. "Our goal is to expand the knowledge base of our our returning [from 180-day deployment] veterans and help them with their financial planning as they transition out of active duty."

Completing the tour, Clarke seemed very pleased with the work being done at the 136 AW and was glad to have met many exemplary Airmen throughout the wing. 

"All I ask of the Airmen is to serve with distinction," said Clarke.