NCOAGA celebrates its 40th Anniversary

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica C. Donnelly
  • 131st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Members from the 131st Fighter Wing attended the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy Graduates Association conference at McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn. July 29 through Aug. 1 to celebrate the NCOAGA's 40th anniversary.

"The conference is an annual seminar that allows us to conduct our general business while continuing Professional Military Education. This year we celebrated the NCOAGA's 40th anniversary," said Senior Master Sgt. Robert A. Wilson, 131st Communications Flight information assistance branch chief and Vice President of NCOAGA Chapter 14. "It was also the 40th anniversary of the Air National Guard Training Education Center."

Master Sgt. Richard Champ, 131st Fighter Wing financial management superintendent and NCOAGA Chapter 14 President, explained, when there is a significant anniversary the conference is held at McGhee Tyson, home of the NCO Academy, to allow conference attendees to attend a graduation.

Sergeant Champ added, "We also do some learning ourselves while we're there as part of the seminar so we can continue our education."

There were many guest speakers at the conference including Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, the commandant of the NCO academy and a few members from the original class of graduates, explained Sergeant Wilson.

Sergeant Wilson added, "There was a lot of history in this seminar."

The NCOAGA believes in promoting in-residence PME, and they also host activities that help the community, explained Sergeant Champ, emphasizing that NCOAGA is always accepting new members. Even those who have not attended NCO Academy can participate.

"They've opened it up so you can just be a friend of a member to come help with any of the activities," said Sergeant Champ.

To learn how to get involved in or support local NCOAGA activities, contact Sergeant Champ.