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  • Portrait of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Smith, commander of the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Civil Engineer Squadron at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., November 1, 2019. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Edward Snyder, 169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

    October Commander's Corner

    Is there any doubt that the Airmen of the SCANG are the best and the brightest in the Air Force? As I look out at the formations and talk with Airmen, NCOs and officers from multiple squadrons, across the full spectrum of backgrounds, I am in awe of the talent and effort that each and every one of you bring to the organization. I think that we can all agree that the SCANG is a special organization unlike any other in the Air Force. But have you ever thought about why this is the case, what makes the SCANG different?
  • Chief Master Sgt. Dayne Peterson, 169th Fighter Wing command chi

    October Chief's Perspective

    Several months ago I was having a discussion with some Airmen about the Minuteman statue and what it means to us as Air National Guardsmen. I was somewhat surprised at the lack of knowledge of the history but should not have been. They didn’t know because they haven’t been taught. So in this month’s Chief’s Perspective I am going to share a little history of the Minuteman statue and what it has meant to me personally over the years
  • U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Alex Gross, the first sergeant assigned to the 169th Fighetr Wing, at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C, March 2, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Megan Floyd)

    October Shirt Blast

    Hello Swamp Foxes. And a hearty WELCOME BACK to our deployers! It’s good to be back. Given we have so many folks in the SCANG eligible for VA benefits, wouldn’t it be nice if there was one place where you could do everything you needed to do regarding the VA? You know, just a single spot to see your benefits, apply for benefits, and learn about benefits? Well, have I got great news for you. There is! It’s called eBenefits. It’s awesome! and it’s the topic of this blast.
  • U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Gray, a chaplain assigned to 169th Fighter Wing, at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., Feb. 6, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Megan Floyd)

    October Chaplain's Reflections

    I hope you are doing well and have gotten to enjoy some of this fall weather we have been having. Relaxation is so important and yet doesn’t come easy to me. I’m a doer. So much so that I feel like I am wasting my time if I don’t do anything. Maybe you are the same way. If so, I have a question for you. According to the book of Genesis, how many days did it take for God to create the heavens and the earth? It’s a trick question. The answer is six! We commonly think that it took seven days but forget that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. If God rested on the seventh day and saw that it was good, why don’t we?
  • Michelle Walker, base fitness specialist

    October Fitness Tips

    Great Lower Ab Exercises and A Few Fall Picks to Add to your Lunch
  • Retirees from the South Carolina Air National Guard gather for their monthly luncheon at the Fort Jackson NCO Club on Feb. 7, 2020.

    October Retiree's Corner

    As promised this is the final column commemorating the Berlin Crisis Call-Up from October 1961 to July 1962 when the approximately 738 folks came home. We are down to the last 50 call-ups. They were assigned to the 169th Material Squadron.
  • Portrait of Lt. Col. Daniel Bowes, commander of the 157th Fighter Squadron at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., Aug. 19, 2020. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Edward Snyder, 169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

    September Commander's Corner

    On July 28, 2020, the Swamp Fox Family suffered a tremendous loss. Maj. Rick “Guns” Garin passed away after valiantly fighting to overcome complications following a surgical procedure. Guns was an exemplary Swamp Fox, earning his way to a pilot position by serving as an enlisted member of the aircrew flight equipment shop. His hard work, dedication, and natural abilities enabled him to rise to the top of his career field.  As the 761st F-16 graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School, he would led the 157th Fighter Squadron in combat operations during our 2018 deployment to the Middle East. Guns was an exceptional individual and our organization will struggle to overcome the deficit created by his loss. We will also struggle to cope with the loss of Guns as a member of our Swamp Fox Family.
  • Portrait of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Audrey Boatwright, assigned to the 169th Logistics Readiness Squadron at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., Aug. 21, 2020. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Edward Snyder, 169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

    September Chief's Perspective

    Something to ponder. A rearview mirror is for looking behind you when you are driving. Metaphorically speaking, if you were to view your past, what’s behind you? There are so many things that can hinder your ability to go forward when you continue to focus on the past. We do learn from the past and hopefully apply our experiences to future choices. Wouldn’t you prefer to have a clear view through your windshield?
  • Portrait of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven Eplee, assigned to the 169th Civil Engineer Squadron at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., August 1, 2020. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Edward Snyder, 169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

    September Shirt Blast

    Be prepared. We are told this from the day we first put on an Air Force uniform at basic training. We are told to be ready for promotions, physical fitness tests and deployments. Even as seasoned Airmen, our readiness is expected to be well rounded to include our mental, physical, social and spiritual realms. At some point in our careers, our level of preparation will tell on us. What will it say about you?
  • Portrait of U.S Air Force Maj. Christina Pittman, the 169th Fighter Wing chaplain, along with Avalon, the therapy assistance dog for ministry at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina Air National Guard, March 19, 2019. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Caycee Watson)

    September Chaplain's Reflections

    "A man [or woman] of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or [sister]." Proverbs 18:24 (NASB)  In the world today there is much discussion on social distancing in order to protect self and others. As a result, this mindfulness of others helps each person remember how to be a good friend. Service before self is an important core value in the work of the Air Force. This includes serving others and not just putting the job first. The proverb, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” speaks of the value of having just one good friend. 
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