JULY 22, 2024 – Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, toured facilities and met with Soldiers and Airmen of the South Dakota National Guard during their drill weekend July 14-15.
Whitehead also conducted town halls at various units in South Dakota, giving hundreds of Guardsmen of all ranks the opportunity to engage with the highest-ranking enlisted member of the National Guard. The topics ranged from current issues facing the entire National Guard to state-level challenges and diversity within the Defense Department.
One message remained constant from the top enlisted leader: “July is the Guard’s month of understanding and communicating why we serve,” Whitehead said.
At a visit to the 196th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Fort Meade, Whitehead spoke to a group of Army officer candidate selectees during their initial moments at the academy.
“I can’t think of a more fitting place to be than in front of the newest future leaders of our Army National Guard,” he told the candidates.
Whitehead emphasized that leading today’s Guard members is never to be taken lightly.
“Being an officer in our armed forces is a huge responsibility. … The life and death of our Guardsmen are in your hands,” said Whitehead. “I know that seems intense, but you must hear this today. You must know we [the enlisted force] appreciate everything you have done to make yourself available to be the leaders for the next generation of those fighting our fight.”
South Dakota is divided by the Missouri River, with two-thirds of the units on the east side and one-third on the west. Whitehead visited units at Camp Rapid in Rapid City and the state’s Joint Force Headquarters and 114th Fighter Wing on Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls.
While at the 114th FW, key leaders briefed Whitehead on the newly acquired standalone virtual reality systems dedicated to enhancing training capabilities in the maintenance career field. These systems are available to wings across the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia.
Staff Sgt. Brady Martin, an aircraft fuels systems mechanic assigned to the 114th Maintenance Squadron, briefed Whitehead on two F-16 Fighting Falcon jet seats recovered from aviation mishaps that are continuously studied to enhance safety during flying missions.
“Our maintainers’ mission makes a difference daily in the aviation community,” said Whitehead. “These forward-thinking approaches exemplify how our Guardsmen maintain peak readiness to support our 21st-century warfighters’ ability to fly, fight and win.”
The SEA also recognized Soldiers and Airmen for helping to keep America and its partners and allies safe and secure.
“Dedicating one’s life to service and the defense of freedom requires immense sacrifice,” said Whitehead. “I urge you to contemplate the profound purpose that drives you. Whether you’re a mother, father, son, daughter, or a future leader of our nation, your commitment to safeguarding your country and fellow citizens is truly admirable. Regardless of your motivation, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your service.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Pena
National Guard Bureau