BUCKEYE GUARD, Vol 40, No 4 (July/Aug. 2022)
Photo by Master Sgt. Shane Hughes, 178th Wing Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, Ohio Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant, speaks to Airmen from the 123rd Air Control Squadron and the 269th Combat Communications Squadron about the importance of training and readiness June 8, 2022, during Agile Rage 22 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich.
State command chief bids farewell after over 30 years in Ohio ANG
By Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, 11th State Command Chief Master Sergeant, Ohio Air National Guard
To the men and women of the Ohio Air National Guard and their Families,
As I end my service as the 11th state command chief, I am filled with immense feelings of awe and gratitude for having the great pleasure of serving at your side. Together in America’s all-volunteer force, we have answered countless calls and accomplished many great deeds. It has been my highest honor to witness your highly effective leadership, your uncontested multicapable abilities, your unmatched professionalism and your spirited camaraderie and teamship.
To the family members who often serve with quiet strength, enduring the long days and nights of work and worry — we are stronger because of your steady unwavering efforts.
In the last 31 years I have witnessed our service component grow from a strategic reserve tasked with organizing, training and equipping to a fully operational force. The promise of one weekend a month two weeks out of the year became folklore. Deployment taskings went from impacting a select few to an inevitable rite of passage for every service member. Named conflicts became part of the daily conversation. Hurricanes, fires, floods and pandemics have become routine domestic operations. Our force grew to meet the challenges, answering every call to action for our nation and our state. We strengthened together by emboldening partnerships with employers, our state partners and each other. Unbeknownst to us, in the midst of all the doing and striving, we became Ohio strong — ready for the future fights. While some of the future fights are unknown, what is known is the state of Ohio and our nation remain in the best possible hands with you by its side. You make Ohio strong.
To the family members who often serve with quiet strength, enduring the long days and nights of work and worry — we are stronger because of your steady, unwavering efforts.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state command chief, for your support of this country, and for the helping hand you repeatedly offer to the citizens of Ohio.
Thank you for your service.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Chief Master Sergeant Heidi Bunker performed the duties as the 11th Ohio Air National Guard state command chief master sergeant from January 2020 to September 2022.
Chief Master Sgt. Heidi A. Bunker
Command Chief Master Sergeant for Ohio Air National Guard
Chief Master Sgt. Heidi A. Bunker is the 11th state command chief master sergeant for the Ohio Air National Guard, and serves as the principal enlisted adviser to senior Ohio ANG leadership, responsible for matters influencing the health, morale and welfare of the organization’s assigned enlisted Airmen and their Families.
Chief Master Sgt. Heidi A. Bunker
FULL BIOGRAPHY | PHOTO