Photo By Senior Airman Diana Snyder | U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Ward recently assumed duty as the eleventh...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Ward recently assumed duty as the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 11th state command chief.
Ward most recently served as senior enlisted leader, Air National Guard Readiness Command's A3/10 Operations at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Prior to that, he served as senior enlisted leader, 193d Special Operations Mission Support Group in Middletown, Pennsylvania.
“To have this opportunity to impact Airmen in a positive way and advocate for them across the State during the next three years is surreal, but ultimately I’m just excited for the goals I want to accomplish, and I’m looking forward to getting things done,” said Ward. “This may sound corny to some people, but I take deep pride in putting my uniform on. I love what I do every day because it’s all for the Wings and for the Airmen of Pennsylvania.”
Ward enlisted into the PAANG in 1992 as an antenna systems specialist with the 211th Engineering Squadron, Fort Indiantown Gap, and is no stranger to the state. Hailing from a family of service members, the Pottsville native said he always knew he wanted to serve, and the Guard simply fit his path.
“Chief Ward is a proven military leader and civilian professional who brings tremendous and broad experience back to the Guard as we continue to evolve and adapt our focus,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Terrence L. Koudelka, Jr., Deputy Adjutant General-Air of the PAANG. “Chief Ward has served in numerous leadership positions, both deployed and in-garrison, and is an outstanding addition to our team as we continue to serve all Airmen in Pennsylvania. Congratulations and welcome home, Chief!”
Throughout his 32 years of service, Ward’s many leadership roles have included serving as a 211th Engineering Installation Squadron team chief, the 211th EIS first sergeant, the 193rd Special Operations Wing first sergeant, and the 193rd SOW vehicle maintenance flight chief.
As the new PAANG state command chief, Ward will represent the highest level of ANG enlisted leadership in the state and will serve as Koudelka’s principal adviser for all matters influencing the health, morale, and welfare of enlisted personnel.
He succeeds Chief Master Sgt. Paul G. Frisco, who served as state command chief since 2020.
An avid motorcyclist and member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Ward said he will always love Pennsylvania for its vast riding landscapes, but of course for its quaintness and hometown atmosphere as well.
When it comes to getting to know Airmen, Ward said he wants them to feel like they can talk to him “openly and candidly, and not have to sugarcoat anything.” He said his biggest attributes are being approachable and highly motivated. He’s a doer and just wants to work for Airmen by contributing positively to their careers and livelihoods.
After all, Ward said one of his main goals is to identify opportunities for enlisted professional development, both inside and outside of their normal fields, that Airmen may otherwise not get.
Regarding the next three years, Ward said he wants the Airmen of Pennsylvania to know that he is here and ready to “get stuff done.”
“The Air Force is changing so rapidly right now and we as leaders can’t even fully see what it’s going to look like in the next couple of years,” said Ward. “That’s why it’s so important for us, Airmen and leaders alike, to understand how to flex with the ever-evolving operational environment so that we can accomplish national goals, exceed in excellence, and push forward with the future of our Force.”
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2024 10:15 |
| Story ID: | 485493 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Hometown: | POTTSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 121 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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