🇺🇸 This week marks three months into my three year term as the Honorary Commander for the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron of the 124fighterwing of the Idaho Air National Guard. idahonationalguard It wasn’t a surprise that I’d be new to everything. The mission of this wing is massive, and I’ve only dipped my toes into what truly goes on here. The 124th Fighter Wing’s federal mission is to provide trained and equipped combat ready forces for national defense. The wing flies the A10 Thunderbolt II, a close air support aircraft built to protect ground forces and destroy tanks, artillery, and other enemy assets. Motto: “First Class or Not at All.” Beyond the mission is a culture I’m just beginning to glimpse. There’s even an entirely different language spoken here, fast and full of acronyms, like visiting a new country and only catching a few words. In these first months I’ve stood on the flightline as families welcomed loved ones home, witnessed promotions and awards, and begun to lea...