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188th honors local community council with NGAUS Patrick Henry Award

  • Published
  • By Maj. Heath Allen
  • 188th Fighter Wing executive officer
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  The 188th Fighter Wing has endured the spectrum of hardship over the past decade. From the Base Realignment and Closure Committee's decision to strip the wing of its flying mission in 2005 to the Air Force's decision to remove the A-10 Thunderbolt II from its inventory, the 188th has been there, done that.

In the last 10 years, the 188th logged the three largest deployments in unit history, nearly lost its flying mission and is now in the initial stages of the largest and most complex mission conversion in the wing's 60 years of existence.

Through all of those hurdles, the local community has exhibited immense support for the 188th and its Airmen. And on Nov. 2, the 188th recognized the 188th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council's Executive Steering Committee for its resolute determination and unwavering support for the wing. The council's executive committee was presented with the National Guard Association of the United States' Patrick Henry Award. Dr. Jerry Stewart, president of the council, accepted the award on behalf of the group at the 188th's 60th anniversary celebration in the wing's main hangar. Lt. Col. (ret.) Kenny Moix, executive director of the National Guard Association of Arkansas, was on hand to present the award along with Col. Mark W. Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander.

The Patrick Henry Award is designed to provide recognition to local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard or NGAUS.

"The 188th has been a part of our community for a long time," Stewart said. "We weren't about to let them go without a fight. We're just so very proud of everything the 188th has done."

Members of the community council have been steadfast supporters of the 188th and champions of Arkansas National Guard interests. The council's efforts were instrumental in the genesis and implementation of a grass roots community effort to educate citizens on the value of the 188th and the need to preserve a viable mission for the future.

The council's compelling campaign led to the unanimous passing of a City of Fort Smith resolution that welcomed fifth generation fighters to the 188th. The council's media relations strategy publicly showcased the 188th's mission and capabilities and spotlighted the Arkansas National Guard's value to the community and national defense. Its calculated, strategic communication efforts led to the launch of the "Save the Flying Razorbacks" Facebook page and Website, collecting nearly 2,000 letters of support for the 188th that were later delivered to the Secretary of Defense.

"Nowhere in the world will you find better community support for the military than Fort Smith, Arkansas," Anderson said. "It's absolutely second to none. From lining the streets outside our front gate when the BRAC chairman visited in the pouring rain to standing in the cold holding signs to welcome the Air Force Chief of Staff, our community has stepped up every single time to show its support for our Airmen."

The council's executive steering committee also bolstered relationships between the 188th and Arkansas' Congressional delegation and bridged communication channels with national level Air Force and Air National Guard leadership. That tireless support and dedication resulted in fact-finding visits to the 188th by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness.

The council's efforts vastly improved public understanding and appreciation of the 188th's home station and wartime roles. It articulated to national level leaders that Fort Smith was an ideal location for future Air Force missions.

"The community council has gone out of its way to support us," Anderson said. "It's absolutely inspiring how much the community has done for our wing."



188th honors local community council with NGAUS Patrick Henry Award

  • Published
  • By Maj. Heath Allen
  • 188th Fighter Wing executive officer
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  The 188th Fighter Wing has endured the spectrum of hardship over the past decade. From the Base Realignment and Closure Committee's decision to strip the wing of its flying mission in 2005 to the Air Force's decision to remove the A-10 Thunderbolt II from its inventory, the 188th has been there, done that.

In the last 10 years, the 188th logged the three largest deployments in unit history, nearly lost its flying mission and is now in the initial stages of the largest and most complex mission conversion in the wing's 60 years of existence.

Through all of those hurdles, the local community has exhibited immense support for the 188th and its Airmen. And on Nov. 2, the 188th recognized the 188th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council's Executive Steering Committee for its resolute determination and unwavering support for the wing. The council's executive committee was presented with the National Guard Association of the United States' Patrick Henry Award. Dr. Jerry Stewart, president of the council, accepted the award on behalf of the group at the 188th's 60th anniversary celebration in the wing's main hangar. Lt. Col. (ret.) Kenny Moix, executive director of the National Guard Association of Arkansas, was on hand to present the award along with Col. Mark W. Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander.

The Patrick Henry Award is designed to provide recognition to local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard or NGAUS.

"The 188th has been a part of our community for a long time," Stewart said. "We weren't about to let them go without a fight. We're just so very proud of everything the 188th has done."

Members of the community council have been steadfast supporters of the 188th and champions of Arkansas National Guard interests. The council's efforts were instrumental in the genesis and implementation of a grass roots community effort to educate citizens on the value of the 188th and the need to preserve a viable mission for the future.

The council's compelling campaign led to the unanimous passing of a City of Fort Smith resolution that welcomed fifth generation fighters to the 188th. The council's media relations strategy publicly showcased the 188th's mission and capabilities and spotlighted the Arkansas National Guard's value to the community and national defense. Its calculated, strategic communication efforts led to the launch of the "Save the Flying Razorbacks" Facebook page and Website, collecting nearly 2,000 letters of support for the 188th that were later delivered to the Secretary of Defense.

"Nowhere in the world will you find better community support for the military than Fort Smith, Arkansas," Anderson said. "It's absolutely second to none. From lining the streets outside our front gate when the BRAC chairman visited in the pouring rain to standing in the cold holding signs to welcome the Air Force Chief of Staff, our community has stepped up every single time to show its support for our Airmen."

The council's executive steering committee also bolstered relationships between the 188th and Arkansas' Congressional delegation and bridged communication channels with national level Air Force and Air National Guard leadership. That tireless support and dedication resulted in fact-finding visits to the 188th by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness.

The council's efforts vastly improved public understanding and appreciation of the 188th's home station and wartime roles. It articulated to national level leaders that Fort Smith was an ideal location for future Air Force missions.

"The community council has gone out of its way to support us," Anderson said. "It's absolutely inspiring how much the community has done for our wing."