Muncy to Airmen: Tell your story

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. David Speicher
  • 175th Wing Public Affairs
BALTIMORE (AFNS) --  The command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard spoke with members of  Maryland Air National Guard 175th Wing during a town hall meeting Dec. 4 here.

Chief Master Sgt. Christopher E. Muncy represents the highest level of enlisted leadership for the Air National Guard. He told the audience they need to tell their story.

"You do not tell your story," Muncy said. He encouraged the Airmen to get the message out of what they do. "What do you tell your families, what do you tell your employers?"

Muncy said Americans don't know what the Air National Guard is.

He described a scenario of stopping at a gas station after a duty day and a citizen sees an Airman in uniform and asks if the Airman is in the Army. The Guardsman replies, 'No, I'm in the Air Force.' Then the citizen asks, "What kind of plane do you fly?"
 
Being that Airmen are not pilots, Muncy encouraged all Airmen to tell their story. He said he wants Guardsmen to talk about the great things they are doing for their country and states. "You have done great things for the entire world," Muncy said.

Muncy said he knows the military is limited in manpower and resources, but he knows we will complete the mission. A small percentage of Americans serve in the armed forces -- 2.2 million protect and defend the constitution. That is 7/10 of one percent of the country's population.

Muncy said how critical everyone is to the safety of the nation and state. "You are all critical to the fight and you have to get that message out," he said. "Thanks to you, no one has invaded the country."

Muncy concluded his town hall meeting by responding to questions from Airmen.

One question dealt with the super committee and budgets cuts that may come into effect in 2013. He said it will be ugly, but could not release specifics of what may be cut. Muncy said the Air National Guard has lived through base realignment and closure, where bases were closed or airplanes taken away. Airmen also survived the ANG reset, where staffing was reduced at all bases.

"We are still fighting the fight for you," said Muncy in reference to the National Guard Bureau trying to get resources to Airmen in an ever shrinking budget environment. "We will still give you what you need, but everything is on the table."  

Airmen also asked about the stigma of looking for mental health support. He reiterated the importance of having wingmen to support Airmen. When people see an issue or change, they have to be willing to get involved in getting help for the Airman. "Our intent is to take care of you and your family," Muncy said.

During his visit, Muncy met with senior leaders, groups in their work areas and had lunch with Airmen to hear their issues and concerns.