An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | Feb. 25, 2021

Trust is everything

By Tech. Sgt. William A. Keele 168th Wing

Military training for Guard members takes on many shapes, but some might not suspect it entailing a course on trust.

Ten participants from the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, including enlisted, officers and a wing staff civilian, attended a four-hour Strong Bonds course Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at the Eielson Air Force Base chapel.

The “Strong Bond: The Speed of Trust” course provided tools to build trust through the language you use, your actions, and develop skills building to foster trust with colleagues, family and friends.

The 168th Intelligence Flight made up a large portion of the participants in the course, using this as an opportunity to help strengthen communication and office dynamics. Intelligence Flight superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Chris Adams said he "wanted to help focus how we interact with one another."

Adams' favorite parts were "getting to pick out our strengths and weaknesses, so we could see where they see themselves and where I see myself."

Intel Analyst, Staff Sgt. Joe Newbern said, "the best thing he could take back to his work section was open communication — that's really what it comes down to is a lot of trust is dependent on the communication."

Courses like these are offered periodically by the wing's chaplain office, including how to strengthen relationships both at home and in your work sections. Reach out to the 168th Wing chaplain office for future courses.
Bethel Readiness Center dedicated to local veteran, distinguished leader in community
March 19, 2024
Bethel Readiness Center dedicated to local veteran, distinguished leader in community

Alaska, Maine Guard Conduct Disaster Preparation Exercise
March 13, 2024
Alaska and Maine National Guardsmen offload from a 176th Wing C-17 Globemaster III while supporting Exercise Vigilant Guard 2024-2 (Alaska) at Merle K. “Mudhole” Smith Airport, Cordova, Alaska, March 5, 2024.

Alaska Air National Guardsman volunteers as JROTC drill judge
February 22, 2024
Alaska Air National Guardsman volunteers as JROTC drill judge

Bison Company’s cold weather training triumphs in Bethel
February 7, 2024
Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, demonstrated readiness and resilience during their cold weather training in Bethel, Alaska, February 2-4, 2024.
This training marked a significant reunion for the Alaska Army National Guard infantry unit in Bethel, emphasizing the city's importance as a training ground that challenges Soldiers to adapt and excel in real-world scenarios.

Alaska Naval Militia, U.S. Navy Reserve pay tribute to S-26 submariners
January 24, 2024
In a solemn gathering at the U.S. Navy Reserve Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, sailors from the Alaska Naval Militia and U.S. Navy Reserve assembled Jan. 24, to pay homage to their fallen comrades lost 82 years ago.

Aircraft maintenance Airmen critical part of Pave Hawk transport mission
January 11, 2024
Airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Aircraft Maintenance from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the active duty 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducted a joint operation to transport an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from Bethel to JBER in early January 2024.

Alaska National Guard's Operation Santa Claus spreads holiday cheer to remote communities
December 5, 2023
Alaska Air National Guard pilots 1st Lt. Skylar Caldwell, left, and Capt. Gerren Blair, and loadmaster, Tech Sgt. John Teamer II, enjoy time with Santa and Mrs. Claus while flying the festive couple to Bethel during Operation Santa Claus Nov. 15, 2023.

Alaska Military Youth Academy honored with Gold Pan Award
November 22, 2023
The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce hosted the 66th Annual Gold Pan Awards on Nov. 17, 2023, at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage.

Alaska National Guard's Operation Santa Claus makes a lifesaving detour
November 16, 2023
From the left, Holly Demert and Clifton Dalton, both flight paramedics with LifeMed, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse, Bethel Army Aviation Operating Facility commander, move a critically ill patient from an AKARNG UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter to an ambulance during a medical evacuation from Napaskiak to Bethel, Nov. 15, 2023

Cadets soar in Civil Air Patrol search and rescue exercise
November 13, 2023
Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Stephen Sammons, left, Alaska Wing emergency services officer, instructs CAP cadets from the Southcentral Region where to find an Emergency Locator Transmitter onboard a Cessna 172 aircraft during a three-day training event Nov. 4, 2023, at the Birchwood Airport in Chugiak, Alaska.