National Guard Bureau Chief visits Alaska Air National Guardsmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. N. Alicia Halla
  • 176 WG
The Chief of the National Guard Bureau toured units of the Alaska Air National Guard's 176 Wing here Jan. 29, greeting wing members while in Alaska to present the newest edition of the U.S. National Guard's heritage paintings.

Gen. Frank J. Grass came to unveil the historical painting at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Jan. 31, honoring the Alaska Air Guardsmen who supported rescue efforts during the 2010 crash of former Senator Ted Steven's plane.

As part of his trip, Grass met with guardsmen at Fort Greely, Eielson Air Force Base and JBER.

"It gives us a chance to display how the Midnight Sun Guardians are accessible, capable and ready to protect our homeland and provide combat resources to the Air Force," said Col. Charles G. Stevenson, vice commander of the 176 Wing. "It also gives us an opportunity to demonstrate we are the Air National Guard's premier wing, serving Alaska and beyond."

As the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Grass is in charge of more than 470 thousand guardsman. The 1,400-plus Air Guardsman of the 176 Wing stand out, he said.


"The 176th, and the work they do, is just phenomenal," Grass said. "There's nothing else like it in the United States."