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by Staff Sgt. Alice Ripberger
MADISON, Wis. ? Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead ? who, in his role as the senior enlisted advisor to Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, is effectively the chief master sergeant for the National Guard ? visited Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen June 3-5 to discuss the central role each person plays in its modernization strategy.
Whitehead visited the 115th Fighter Wing, 128th Air Refueling Wing, Volk Field and Camp Williams, Fort McCoy and Joint Force Headquarters over his three-day visit to meet members from all echelons of rank, offer mentorship and to see the state?s unique capabilities.
During his discussions with Guard members, Whitehead emphasized that people, readiness, modernization and reform are top priorities for the National Guard.
?I want you to understand just how valuable you are ? not just to us in the Guard, but to the overall safety and security of this country,? Whitehead said.
1st Sgt. Jaqueline Frank of the 128th Air Control Squadron stated that she appreciated Whitehead?s emphasis on sexual assault and mental health during his discussions with Guard members.
?Twenty-two years ago, when I joined, we did not talk about mental health, but we have so much more awareness and resources now,? Frank said.
Whitehead recognized Master Sgt. Jordan Sexton, a force management noncommissioned officer in charge for the 115th Fighter Wing, for his accomplishments throughout his career.
?I genuinely care about the people I work alongside,? Sexton said, ?and that motivates me to succeed as a peer and a leader.?
Whitehead said that he focuses on the things that will push the military forward, such as addressing sexual assault and mental health issues, and developing the voices of young leaders.
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