127th Wing celebrates unit, base legacy

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, delivers the keynote address to the Michigan National Guard's 127th Wing, during their military ball, in Clinton Township, Mar. 2, 2024. During the formal event, Whitehead emphasized the importance of family support and celebrating mission accomplishments. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Pena)

127th Wing celebrates unit, base legacy

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matthew G. Brancato, commander of the Michigan National Guard's 127th Wing and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, delivers opening remarks during his unit's military ball in Clinton Township, Michigan, Mar. 2, 2024. Brancato told attendees that the tradition of formal military events like the ball tighten the bonds of camaraderie, esprit de corps and contribute to building a shared vision for the unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Pena)

127th Wing celebrates unit, base legacy

Published March 4, 2024
By Tech. Sgt. Chelsea E. FitzPatrick
127th Wing Public Affairs

SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MI -- Members of the Michigan National Guard’s 127th Wing hosted a military ball in Clinton Township, Mar. 2, 2024. The event brought more than 700 attendees, including Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief, National Guard Bureau, Tony Whitehead, in celebration of the theme, “Legacy of Valor.”

With a distinguished career, including tenure as command chief master sergeant of the 127th Wing, Whitehead gave the keynote address, sharing what he considers as Selfridge Air National Guard Base’s, “amazing legacy.”

“[Selfridge] is where Airmen like Curtis Lemay and General Hap Arnold came to train, the place where aces were created and where training happened for the Tuskegee Airmen,” Whitehead said. “This is where some of the best training for people in the aviation community takes place: that’s part of your legacy."

Chief Master Sgt. Rick Gordon, command chief master sergeant of the 127th Wing, presented Whitehead with a memento of appreciation following his remarks.

“Events like these tighten our bonds of camaraderie, esprit de corps and build our shared vision for the 127th Wing,” Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, 127th Wing and Selfridge ANG Base commander said. “Serving with you is an honor, and I’m proud of the 127th Wing and our accomplishments.”

In addition to Whitehead, five former 127th Wing command chief master sergeants attended the event including Bill Livesay, Michael Dalton, Keith Edwards, and Dan McDow representing years between 1998 and 2003, 2008 and 2011 and 2015-2020.

“It says a lot when we have our former senior enlisted who continue to show up time and time again, years later, because they believe in you,” White head said. “I challenge you to continue this legacy of greatness.”

A video, produced by 127th Wing public affairs, highlighted the 127th Wing’s legacy, missions and family featuring a variety of personal stories told by Airmen from a variety of units within the 127th Wing.