How To Guard

Airman, Navigator, and Wing Commander!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560054/fan_mail/new] In this episode of How To Guard, we sit down with Colonel Slosek, Commander of the Airlift Wing, to talk about leadership, experience, and what it really takes to rise through the ranks in the Air National Guard. From his early days serving as a flight navigator to leading an entire wing, Colonel Slosek shares firsthand stories from the cockpit, lessons learned along the way, and the mindset required to grow within the Guard. We dive into what airlift missions look like from the inside, how his career evolved over time, and what younger Airmen can take away from his journey. Whether you are considering joining, currently serving, or just want a behind the scenes look at high level leadership in the Air National Guard, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Tune in now and learn what it takes to navigate both the skies and a successful military career. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the New York Air National Guard, Hit the link below! https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f [https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f] Who knows, you might be able to connect with one of us!

An Air National Guard Legend!!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560054/fan_mail/new] In this episode of How To Guard, we sit down with an Air National Guard legend, CMSgt (Retired) Denny Richardson. We talk leadership traits that actually work, what setting the standard looks like day to day, and the mindset that separates good troops from great ones. CMSgt (Retired) Richardson shares lessons learned across a lifetime of service, including how to lead people, build culture, and stay consistent when things get hard. Whether you are thinking about joining, you are brand new, or you have been in for a while, this episode is packed with takeaways you can use for yourself immediately. Denny Richardson has his own podcast which we are happy to link in this description! We highly recommend you check out his podcast after you listen to ours!! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeys-through-leadership/id1558876493 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeys-through-leadership/id1558876493] Or! http://leadsolutions.biz/ [http://leadsolutions.biz/] If you or someone you know is interested in joining the New York Air National Guard, Hit the link below! https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f [https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f] Who knows, you might be able to connect with one of us!

Benefits Explained! Paid College Tuition, Bonuses, and More!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560054/fan_mail/new] In this mega episode of the How to Guard Podcast, we sit down with MSgt Lewis, our Retention Office Manager, to answer one of the biggest questions people have. How does the New York Air National Guard pay for college tuition?  We break down tuition assistance, college benefits, sign on and retention bonuses, and how Guard pay can work alongside school and civilian life. MSgt Lewis shares real insight on how members can plan for college, avoid common mistakes and take full advantage of what the Guard offers while focusing on their education.  Whether you are thinking about joining, already serving, or looking for ways to make the Guard work better for your future, this episode is packed with valuable information you will not want to miss!  Hit the link below to see more from MSgt Emily Lewis and the Retention Office! https://www.instagram.com/109awretention?igsh=NXJsZTlsdHRueHE2 [https://www.instagram.com/109awretention?igsh=NXJsZTlsdHRueHE2] If you or someone you know is interested in joining the New York Air National Guard, Hit the link below! https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f [https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f] Who knows, you might be able to connect with one of us!

Enlisted to Commissioned. Becoming an Officer!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560054/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the How to Guard Podcast, we sit down with 1st Lt Cappadora, a maintenance officer whose career started on the enlisted side before earning a commission. Lt Cappadora shares what it was really like coming in as enlisted, learning the maintenance mission from the ground up, and later making the transition to becoming an officer. We talk about leadership, credibility, and how prior enlisted experience shapes the way he leads Airmen today. This episode is a great listen for anyone considering aircraft maintenance, debating enlisted versus officer paths, or trying to understand the many different ways to build a career in the New York Air National Guard. Whether you are thinking about joining, already serving, or looking for your next move, this conversation offers real insight, honest perspective, and practical takeaways from someone who has lived both sides of the Guard experience. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the New York Air National Guard, Hit the link below! https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f [https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f] Who knows, you might be able to connect with one of us!

Military & Family Readiness Programs!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560054/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the How to Guard podcast, we sit down with Colleen Casey, our Military Family and Readiness Program Manager. Colleen shares her career journey, breaks down the roles and responsibilities of the Military Family and Readiness Program, and explains how it supports Airmen and their families through every stage of service. From resources and advocacy to readiness and resilience, this conversation highlights a different side of the NY Air National Guard that supports families just as much as our members! If anyone would like to get in contact with Colleen, hit the link below! https://www.facebook.com/pages/109th-AW-Wellness-Center/292033837518622 [https://www.facebook.com/pages/109th-AW-Wellness-Center/292033837518622] If you or someone you know is interested in joining the New York Air National Guard, Hit the link below! https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f [https://aha.cce.af.mil/lead/recruiter/d7e05439-116d-48be-a570-71aa062ff44f] Who knows, you might be able to connect with one of us!