Guard, Reserve commission takes to the road for hearings Published July 21, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Chris Decker Air Force Print News SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- The Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, charged by Congress to recommend changes in the laws and policies governing its citizen Soldiers, met in San Antonio this week -- the first time the commission has met somewhere other than Washington, D.C.Six high-ranking members of the Guard and Reserve branches, including the chief of the Air Force Reserve and director of the Air National Guard, gathered in the ballroom of the La Mansion Del Rio Hotel to testify before the commission on issues including training, financial limitations and mobilization.The Air Force contingent showed a confidence in the way the forces are handling things now and their ability to conform to future needs.The chief of the Air Force Reserve, Lt. Gen. John Bradley, emphasized both the contributions and the "real bargain" of a part-time Airman. Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, director of the Air National Guard, stressed the importance of looking out for Airmen in the face of high ops tempos, more diverse missions and budget cuts."We believe we want to hang on to our people. We think they're the most precious commodity that we have. And we want to be able to offer members who are leaving any of the components, an opportunity to come serve with us," General McKinley said.This week's hearing was just one of a series of formal sessions, with San Diego scheduled as the next stop. The commission will release their findings, along with any recommendations for change, to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees in March.