Guard squadron dispatches Airmen into missile fields for the first time

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (ACCNS) --  Two Airmen from the 219th Security Forces Squadron of the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard became part of history Dec. 18 as they became the first Air Guard Airmen deployed into missile fields here.

Staff Sgt. John Chalupa and Airman 1st Class Erik Foss, both of the 219th SFS, each had the unique privilege of becoming their unit's first two Personal Reliability Program certified airman to deploy into the missile field.

Airman Foss, a Douglas, N.D. native, was excited to be part of the momentous event.

"I've been training for this mission since February of last year," Airman Foss said. "It feels really good. It took a lot of hard work and training to get us to this point. Now, we're finally able to see it pay off."

This milestone of putting guard Airmen into the missile fields was made possible when the unit received Headquarters Air Force approval of their PRP for full-time Air Guard members earlier this month.

The PRP is a stringent program designed to ensure the highest possible standards of individual reliability in personnel performing duties involving nonconventional weapons.

"To be PRP approved means that we have implemented all of the necessary procedures and requirements set forth by the Secretary of Defense and the Air Force to ensure only the most reliable Airmen fill positions associated with missile field security" said Master Sgt. Lonnie Ballweg, 219th SFS Senior Medical Technician. "The approval of the 219th PRP program is significant because it allows full-time Guardsmen of the 219th SFS to conduct mission specific training and support the 91st Missile Wing in day-to-day training and surge requirements."

According to North Dakota Governor John Hoeven, placing guardsmen into the field to work side by side with the active duty is a significant accomplishment.

"[This] would not be happening without the exceptional Airmen of the 219th who have shown unwavering dedication to their mission," Governor Hoeven.

According to Minot Air Guard leadership, dedication to their mission is something guardsmen take very seriously.

"Sergeant Chalupa and Airman Foss are leading the way within the 219th SFS the same way that the 219th itself is leading the way in the nation. Guardsmen working alongside active duty airmen on a daily basis is the future and that is exactly what we're doing in Minot," said Col. Robert Becklund, 119th Wing commander.

Currently, the 219th SFS is working with the Headquarters Air Force to establish a special plan required for the implementation of traditional guardsman to the PRP program. Traditional guardsmen are part-time Air Guard members who typically serve one weekend a month, two weeks a year.

Lt. Col. Tad Schauer, 219th SFS commander, was particularly proud of the his Airmen becoming PRP certified and deploying to the missile field.

"We've had to overcome many hurdles, which are expected when you're forging your way in new territory," Colonel Schauer said. "We could not have done this without the support and commitment of 'Team Minot.' No one has ever done anything like this before and we are working together to ensure it gets done right the first time."