Courtesy Photo | Chief Master Sgt. Paul Paul G. Frisco Jr. was recently installed as the 10th State...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Air National Guard (PAANG) welcomed its 10th state command chief in early 2020.
Chief Master Sgt. Paul G. Frisco Jr., was appointed to the PAANG’s highest enlisted position after 37 years of service, including 35 years at the 111th Attack Wing in Horsham, Pa., where he served as the wing’s command chief from 2014 to 2020.
As the state command chief he serves as the principal enlisted adviser to the PAANG commander on all issues related to mission effectiveness, training, health of the force, conduct, force utilization and quality of life for Pennsylvania Airmen. The scope of responsibility for the position includes 4,100 Airmen from the three wings across the commonwealth to include several geographically separated units, two training schools and three airframes.
Frisco’s journey to this point is comprised of the collection of 37 years of military experience coupled with six deployments -- three in support of Operation Southern Watch, two in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and one in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He graduated high school in Pottstown and for two years worked at the family-owned auto body shop anticipating that he would one day take over the business. However, his lifelong interest in the military and aircraft, coupled with his desire to serve his country, led to him to enlist in the Air Force in 1983. He started his military career in transportation before transitioning to aircraft maintenance.
After two years of active-duty service, Frisco transferred to what was then the 111th Fighter Wing in 1985.
“My original goal was to get into aircraft maintenance and take what the military taught me and apply it to a position in the civilian aviation sector,” Frisco said.
After serving as a traditional Guardsman for two years he was selected to fill a full-time position in aircraft maintenance. Frisco went from an aircraft mechanic position to an aircraft mechanic supervisor and eventually earned the position of aircraft maintenance squadron superintendent, which he held for nearly 10 years.
“I have enjoyed every part of my career,” Frisco said. “People ask me from time to time, what I would have done if I didn’t join the military, and I tell them I really haven’t thought about it much because of how much I really enjoy what I do. I love being around military aircraft, leading and mentoring Airmen and watching them grow into experienced Airmen and leaders.”
After a mission change at the 111th, Frisco was selected as the installation’s antiterrorism officer where he was responsible for the base’s antiterrorism and force protection programs.
In 2014, Frisco was selected as the wing command chief for the 111th, a position he held until he was nominated to become the PAANG’s state command chief in January 2020.
“Leaving the 111th was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my working career, but I felt this was a natural next step,” said Frisco. “I felt my experience as a wing command chief set me up for success at the state level, especially with the position now being full time. I am encouraged to see where the position will go from here."
After a few months in the position, Frisco knows the direction he wants to take and where he will focus his efforts.
“I want to be visible to the wings and work for the betterment of all of our Airmen. I look forward to visiting the units and getting to know Pennsylvania’s missions and Airmen better,” said Frisco. “My goal is to take care of our Airmen across the commonwealth. I feel if you are thoroughly honest with Airmen and they truly believe you have their best interest in mind, a trust will be fostered and relationships will grow.”
Frisco has been married to his wife Lori for 33 years and has two sons, Ryan and Dylan. He has four grandchildren and one on the way. He is active in his church and loves hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, frisbee golfing, restoring classic cars and spending downtime with family.
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 08.21.2020 10:32 |
| Story ID: | 376410 |
| Location: | FT. INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Hometown: | POTTSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 578 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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