Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio -- The Director of the Air National Guard visited the 121st Air Refueling Wing here Wednesday.
The visit by Lt. Gen. Scott Rice marks the first time a Director of the Air National Guard has visited the 121st ARW.
Rice is responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, plans, and programs affecting the more than 105,500 Guard members and civilians in 90 flying wings and 175 geographically separated units across 213 locations throughout the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
During his visit to Rickenbacker, Rice met with 121st ARW and Ohio Air National Guard leadership, toured the base, and recognized some top performing Airmen with coins.
He was impressed when he examined the wing’s aircraft. “I had no idea that I was walking into an over fifty-year-old aircraft, that thing felt like it was brand new,” said Rice. “That takes more than just pride, that takes camaraderie and that takes dedication.”
“We’re extremely privileged to be one of the many units to have a chance to interact with the DANG,” said Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Bower, 121st Security Forces Squadron superintendent. “I’ve been in the unit for 20 years and that’s a first for me and we’re glad he was able to spend some time with us.”
Rice delivered a message to the wing at a town hall meeting. “Every single one of you is equal on what you bring to the table, because there’s something special inside of you that you bring to the organization,” he said.
Col. Mark Auer, 121st ARW commander, said “I think it’s a great opportunity for him to meet the great Airmen of the 121st ARW, and that, in a word, is priceless.”