Play it safe when traveling to Mexico; avoid Nogales, border cities

Wing leadership strongly advises 162nd Fighter Wing members and their families to avoid traveling to Nogales, Sonora. More than 5,000 people have been killed throughout Mexico since the wing issued a travel advisory for Mexico last year. Over the past few months there has been a rapid increase in

Terminology Change for ILO Taskings

The Air Force is adopting new terminology to better reflect participation in today's joint fight, the Air Force chief of staff advised in a letter to the field. Airmen who were previously categorized as filling non-standard or "in lieu of" taskings now will be referred to as filling a joint

Wing delivers a great day to Phoenix Children's Hospital

When more is asked, more is given. That has always been a mantra of the 162nd Fighter Wing, and it was never more apparent than when members were asked to donate gifts to Phoenix Children's Hospital during the recent holiday season. "More" was given as unit members collected over 250 gifts for the

TAG's retirement gala honors his 43 years of service

Guard's first 4-star general ready to take Minutemen forward

A crowd of more than 300 people from all ranks and services watched as the secretary of Defense swore in and promoted the first four-star general to lead the National Guard in its 372-year history Nov. 17 in the Pentagon. Gen. Craig R. McKinley became the chief of the National Guard Bureau and

New law allows saluting in civilian attire during Anthem

Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October. "The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed

This holiday season, take care of yourselves and each other

As we count down the final days of 2008 Mary and I would like to wish you all a happy holiday season. You've all done tremendous work this year to ensure the 162nd remains the world's premier F-16 training unit, and I encourage everyone to finish the year strong by caring for yourselves and your

Nomination season opens for 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, has opened the nomination season for the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. National Guard and Reserve members and their families are eligible and encouraged to nominate employers who have gone above

Arizona fighter wing earns “outstanding” HSI rating

The Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing earned an "outstanding" rating during an Air Force Inspection Agency (AFIA) Health Services Inspection (HSI) here, Nov. 2. The results announced during the HSI outbrief over the November drill weekend were met with cheers and applause in an

A dream to fly, a lasting friendship

A little boy from Flagstaff, Ariz., touched the lives of Guardsmen at the 162nd Fighter Wing here last year when he visited the wing to be a fighter pilot for a day, and today he continues to inspire unit members. At the age of 6, Dominic Magne underwent aggressive chemotherapy in his battle with