130th Maintenance Group Change of Command

  • Published
  • By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eugene Crist, 130th Airlift Wing
  • 130th Airlift Wing
McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, W.Va. --  Brig. Gen. Paige P. Hunter, the Assistant Adjutant General – Air, presided over the ceremony with distinguished guest U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles S. Walker, Chief of Staff for the West Virginia Air National Guard in attendance.

“Col. Chard was actually forced developed before it was cool. He left Wings years ago to the joint environment to gain state level experience, then to headquarters, and now brings that education and experience to lead the Maintenance Group.” Hunter said. “Col Chard, I look forward to seeing you and the great leadership team here in Maintenance Group take this organization to the next level.”

Col. Chard entered service in September 1991 as an enlisted Command and Control Apprentice assigned to the 130th Airlift Wing Command Post in Charleston, WV. In June 1999, Lt Col Chard graduated as a distinguished graduate from the Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson ANGB, TN, received his commission, and was named the Commander for the 130th Communications Flight. In February 2007, Lt Col Chard was appointed as the Chief Information Officer for the WV National Guard and as the Director, Joint Force Headquarters – WV – J6, Charleston, WV.

“I recognize that I am assuming command of a storied organization with a long demonstrated history of high performance. You have never let the mission fail.” Chard said in his remarks.

The incoming commander stressed the importance of the Groups mission. To provide safe combat ready aircraft to the warfighter and combat ready airmen to serve our state and nation. He reminded all in attendance.

“I know this organization possess the ingenuity, tenacity, and skill needed to overcome these challenges, to honor the legacy of those that have gone before us, and to meet our mission. I pledge myself to this organization and to you as your commander.”