Poppell Selected as Air Guard’s New ESSO

LTC Rick Poppell formerly with the 165th Airlift Wing has been selected by Maj. Gen. Wick Searcy to succeed Col. Lou Burson as the Executive Support Staff Officer (ESSO) for the GaANG. He assumes the position in August upon the retirement of Col. Burson.

A native of Brunswick, GA, Poppell graduated from Glynn Academy in 1970 and immediately joined the 224th Combat Communications Squadron. Upon return from Basic Training and Supply Technical Training, he enrolled in Brunswick Junior College achieving an Associate Degree in 1973. Lt Col Poppell entered Georgia Southern College obtaining his Bachelor degree in 1976.

In May 1977, Poppell entered the full time technician force as a Supply Technician in the 224th obtaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. He transferred to the 117th Tactical Control Squadron in 1982 and became the unit's first Logistics Plans Technician. Lt Col Poppell served in this capacity until 1986 when he attended the Academy of Military Science. Upon his commissioning that year as a Second Lieutenant, Poppell served as the Logistics Plans Officer for the 165th Airlift Wing from 1986 to 1990.

In 1990, he became the Comptroller for the 165th Airlift Wing as well as the Geographically Separated Units. Poppell was the 165th Mission Support Flight Commander in 1997 and later Wing Administrative Officer.

In 2001, Lt Col Poppell was selected to become the Liaison Officer for the Georgia National Guard's Partnership for Peace program with the Republic of Georgia. Returning from this assignment in July 2002, Poppell attended the Air War College in residence where he will graduate in July 2003.

During his 30 years in the Georgia Air National Guard, Poppell has participated in numerous deployments to Norway, Denmark, England, Germany, Korea and Peru. He also served as a Venue Officer during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.