Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Huffman | Command Chief Master Sgt. Bernard G. Cho, the top enlisted leader for the New...... read more read more
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PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. – The New Hampshire Air National Guard welcomed a new state command chief during the March unit training assembly.
Inside a large aircraft hangar at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, nearly a thousand Airmen stood in formation for the change of authority ceremony as state Command Chief Master Sgt. Pranav S. Zaveri passed the torch of responsibility for the state's enlisted force to Chief Master Sgt. Bernard Cho, March 8.
Brig. Gen. William R. Davis, commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, served as the presiding official at the ceremony. According to Davis, who spoke to the gathered Airmen, the state command chief plays an important role few understand.
They are the top enlisted leader for the state’s Air National Guard and serves as the senior enlisted advisor to National Guard leadership at the state level. The position focuses on the career and well-being of Airmen. In NH, that means the readiness, operational utilization, professional development, morale, and welfare for approximately 900 NHANG Airmen.
Zaveri, affectionally known as Chief Z, served as the 13th New Hampshire state command chief for the past three years of his 30-year military career. In his final address to his Airmen, he offered words of encouragement and advice.
“… It is more crucial than ever to remember that we are united for a common purpose.” Zaveri said. “You must remain steadfast and resolute, focusing on the values that bind us: duty, honor, and country. Let us not allow external forces to fragment our ranks, but rather, let us draw strength from our unity and shared commitment. As members of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, you are leaders not only in the air, but also on the ground.”
After Zaveri spoke, he passed the wing guidon to Davis, who in turn passed it on to Cho, a time-honored symbol of the transition of authority. Following the transfer, Cho addressed the formation of Airmen.
During his first address as state command chief, Cho, in addition to thanking his wife, family, and friends for their patience, support and resilience; also thanked all the commanders, chiefs, and first sergeants he has worked for and with for their mentorship and guidance over the years.
“There’s no way this inner-city kid from a broken family gets here by himself. You have all shaped me into the leader I am today, and I am committed to honoring that legacy by serving you and the Airmen of this organization to the best of my ability,” said Cho.
Cho reminded the gathered Airmen that change can be tough but it’s the selective focus, adaptability, and commitment to the core values and missions that define the collective force. He vowed to advocate for the Airmen and ensure their voices are heard. Cho went on to acknowledge the 157th Air Refueling Wing’s recent deployment of the KC-46- the Air Force’s first operational deployment of the jet- as well as the forces preparing to deploy in support of global reach, mobility and power later this Spring.
“We have incredible Airmen, unparallel dedication, and a legacy of excellence to build upon. Thank you for your trust, your service, and your commitment to our mission,” said Cho.
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2025 15:44 |
| Story ID: | 492596 |
| Location: | NEWINGTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE, US |
| Web Views: | 370 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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