Photo By Lt. Col. Nicole M Reigelman | Richard Posey, son of Pennsylvania’s first Deputy Adjutant General for Air (DAG-A),...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – The family of Pennsylvania’s first Deputy Adjutant General for Air (DAG-A), Brig. Gen. Richard Posey, recently donated several items to Pennsylvania Air National Guard (PAANG) Headquarters to preserve and recognize the former leader’s legacy and contributions in establishing the PAANG more than 70 years ago.
Posey, who served as DAG-A for 20 years and has ties to all three Pennsylvania wings, is considered by many the Father of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
Posey’s son, Richard, who was formerly a member of the 193d Special Operations Wing in Middletown, presented the items, including his father’s shadow box and flag, to current Deputy Adjutant General for Air, Brig. Gen. Michael Regan, during a visit to Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) in July.
“During his four decades of service, Brig. Gen. Richard Posey helped build the Pennsylvania Air National Guard into what it is today,” Regan said. “His leadership and legacy of service are at the foundation of our organization.”
Before serving as one of the Pennsylvania Air Guard’s earliest leaders, Posey flew 22 B-17 combat missions in the European Theatre during World War II. When he returned from Europe, he was selected as squadron commander of the 148th Fighter Squadron at Spaatz Field in Reading, Pa.
Under his leadership the squadron quickly received federal recognition and began training as a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Over the decades, the 148th has transitioned airframes and locations and currently operates as the 193rd Special Operations Wing.
After returning to active duty in 1951 to serve in the Korean conflict, Posey commanded several PAANG units including the 111th Fighter Bomber Group and the 112th Fighter Interceptor Wing, which today’s 111th Attack Wing, in Horsham, Pa., and 171st Air Refueling Wing, in Coraopolis, Pa., can trace their lineage to.
Finally, in 1956 Posey was appointed as the first Deputy Adjutant General for Air Affairs, where he oversaw the transition of Olmstead Air Force Base to civilian control, where the 193d Special Operations Wing operates today.
Posey retired in 1978, and a decade later became the inaugural member of the PAANG Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Hall of Fame.
The newly-donated items bolster the PAANG’s collection commemorating the organization’s heritage and the achievements of its Airmen, and will be displayed in the PAANG conference room, which is being designated as the Posey Room to commemorate his enduring legacy on the organization.
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2021 15:37 |
| Story ID: | 401079 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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