The Drop

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Col. Richard Switzer, Deputy Wing Commander, about the wing priorities during June 2025 UTA.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Richard Switzer, 130th Deputy Wing Commander, Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Jeff King, 130th Operations Group Senior Enlisted Leader, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Pat Chard, 130th Deputy Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Pat Chard, 130th Deputy Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Pat Chard, 130th Deputy Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Pat Chard, 130th Deputy Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, talk about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, talk about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

This month on The Drop, Colonel Pat Chard, the Deputy Commander of the 130th Airlift Wing, is joined by a special surprise guest to delve into the intricacies of effectively leading teams in tough times and successful ones. Hint: “We ARE!” The conversation will explore the critical role of dedicated practice and embracing various leadership styles in ensuring the successful execution of a team's mission, providing practical insights that you can apply in your own leadership journey.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, talk about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this episode, Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, the Adjutant General for the West Virginia National Guard, discusses China's impact on our current military posture. Bo Wriston, the WVNG Public Affairs Officer, hosts this special episode.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 9/11, more than 30,000 service members or veterans have committed suicide, which is more than four times that of those who passed away in combat over the same period. According to the DOD Suicide Prevention Office, in 2023, there were 92 suspected or confirmed suicides in the National Guard, which brings the total to over 400 guardsmen since the start of COVID-19, not counting Q1 of 2024, which have yet to be released. In this episode, 2nd Lt. De-Juan Haley is joined by Brianna Baker-Meckley, the 130th Airlift Wing's new Director of Psychological Health, Capt. Brittany Hypes, a Critical Care Nurse with the 130th Airlift Wing CERFP who, for the past year, has worked as the Suicide Prevention Program coordinator for the unit, and 1st Lt. Sammi Brown, the director of Public Affairs for the WVANG, to have a conversation about the topic of mental health and suicide.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Patrick Chard, 130th Deputy Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, talk about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, talk about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, talk about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, talk about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, talk about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Pat Chard, 130th Vice Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Pat Chard, 130th Vice Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Pat Chard, 130th Airlift Wing Vice Commander, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Pat Chard, 130th Vice Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Pat Chard, 130th Vice Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In today's episode Colonel Pat Chard, the 130th Airlift Wing Vice Commander, walks us through the goals and objectives for the calendar year 2023 for the wing. We mention some goals for the wing as a whole, discuss ways to meet those goals, and talk about what's happening in the coming months.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Pat Chard, 130th Vice Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, about the Wing priorities for this months Unit Training Assembly.

In this abbreviated episode, we hear from Col. Bryan Preece, 130th Airlift Wing Commander, Col. Pat Chard, 130th Vice Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams, 130th Wing Command Chief, conveys the Wing priorities for the Fly Away Readiness Exercise (FL.A.R.E.) and April Unit Training Assembly.

Attracting the next generation of Airmen to serve in the Air National Guard is critical to our continued success. The We Are All Recruiters or (WEAR) Program enable individual members to do just that. In this episode, we are joined by Master Sgt. Casey Reed 130th Recruiting Flight Chief to talk about the new program.

Each year, the 130th Airlift Wing recognizes its most outstanding members in four categories. 2022 marks the third year the Outstanding Airman of the Year program has operated under the wing instruction that focuses on recognizing members achievement over the function of the nomination process. In this episode, we are joined by Command Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams to talk about the program and introduce this years winners.

The Air National Guard Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron is a unique and significant part of our nation's medical mobility resource. Its mission is to provide time-sensitive, mission-critical en-route care to patients to and between medical treatment facilities. The Air National Guard (ANG) has nine AE squadrons, and the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) has 18 AE squadrons. Combined with ground medical units, the Air National Guard and Reserve account for 70 percent of AE forces supporting the AE system. Today, four airmen assigned to our 167th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron are with us on the pod, two of the newest member and two veteran medical professionals. Airman First Class Christian Hughes, a flight medic, Captain Jordan Gardo, a flight nurse, Senior Master Sgt. Jordan Killebrew, a Aeromedical evacuation technician, and Major Kyla Groves, a flight nurse.

Becoming an Air National Guard pilot is one of the most revered positions not only at the 130th but for guard units across the country. Joining us today are two of the newest pilot candidates selected to attend the multi-year-long training pipeline to become a C-130 J Super Hercules pilot here at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base. Joining me on the pod today are Staff Sgt. Micheal Watson, Technical Sgt. Josh Rawson, and Lt. Col. Ben Simerman, the 130th Airlift Squadron Commander. The three Airmen discuss their journeys and best practices when seeking to become an Air National Guard Aviator!

Each year, the 130th Airlift Wing recognizes its most outstanding members in four categories. 2021 marks the second year the Outstanding Airman of the Year program has operated under the wing instruction that focuses on recognizing members achievement over the function of the nomination process. In this episode, we are joined by Command Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams to talk about the program and introduce this years winners.

2nd Lt. Alexis Farmer and 1st Lt. John Morgan discuss a topic paramount to all guardsmen, readiness. More especially Estate Planning and why it's essential to our readiness.

Each year, the 130th Airlift Wing recognizes its most outstanding members in four categories. 2021 marks the first year the Outstanding Airman of the Year program has operated under the new wing instruction that focuses on recognizing members achievement over the function of the nomination process. In this episode, we are joined by Command Chief Master Sgt. Kevan Williams to talk about the new wing instruction and introduce this years winners.

The month of November is recognized as the Month of the Military Family. According to recent statistics, about 6.6% of active-duty and 2.7% of the Reserve and Guard Service Members are in dual-military marriages. Joining the podcast are two such members, Lt. Col. Corey and Capt. Undrena Gause.

The month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among US women. Joining us today are two people that we at the 130th all know, Beth Melton and her husband Chief Master Sgt. Scott Melton. Over the past year, Beth has fought the disease, and the Meltons are here to tell us about their journey.

In this episode, we are joined by Staff Sgt. Kyle McCormick, a defender assigned to the 130th Security Forces Squadron. McCormick shares with us his experience with suicide and mental illness. Additionally, the 130th Airlift Wing Director of Psychological Health, Melinda Himstedt discusses the signs of someone in crisis and provides resources for those in need.

We are joined by Senior Master Sgt. Debbie Turrill, a loadmaster assigned to the 130th Operations Group. Turrill has the distinction of being the first female aircrew member in the history of the 130th Airlift Wing.

In this episode, we talk with Airman 1st Class Jorden McCormick, a Services airman assigned to the 130th Force Support Squadron, about his life growing around drug addiction and homelessness. Additionally, we talk about his decision to join the unit and his plans for the future.