Brigadier General Hepner's September 2011 Message

  • Published
  • By Brig Gen Michael D. Hepner
  • 138th FW/CC
Oklahoma Air National Guard, Tulsa OK --      This month we will be celebrating Family Day on Saturday, September 10th. Please bring your families out and enjoy a great day. The schedule of events will include honoring our own Hometown Heroes to kickoff Family Day. I'm hoping that the weather will cooperate and the heat will have subsided.
   The next couple of months will be busy with our annual fitness testing and preparing to deploy on our short notice AEF tasking. We must be flexible with our schedules to ensure all requirements and combat skills training are accomplished. The scheduling priority is focused on completing these tasks for the deployers to ensure each person is one hundred percent ready to depart. We remain committed to giving our warriors the most current and best training opportunities prior to deploying.
   Two squads and the command element of the 138th Security Forces Squadron returned last month from their six month deployment to Afghanistan. The homecoming was a joyous time. Thanks to all those who came out to the airport and welcomed our warriors back. They, once again proved themselves in the AOR with their outstanding results.
   On an inspection note, as most of you know our Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), Phase 1 in November 2012 was cancelled due to ramp construction. I have been informed that we will have a Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI) 2-7 November 2012. We will be assigning a POC for that Inspection later this year.
   I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the most gracious display of support to our recent Fallen Warriors Dignified Transfers that have taken place over the last few weeks. I know the families of these Fallen Heroes appreciate your help and efforts to make these events as respectful and dignified as can be. Your support for our Oklahoma Army National Guard Fallen Warriors is a testament to your commitment to our core values and I couldn't be more proud of all of you.
   As always, we have airmen deployed in the AOR. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers for a safe return. Strength and Honor.