Left to right, Colonels Bob Doehling, Dan Zachman and Bill Welch read cases studies presented at the Air National Guard’s Commanders at Robins Air Force Base in April.

Senior Air Leadership discuss Ethics at Annual Conference 

Sixty-three senior Georgia Air National Guard commanders and selected wing and unit Chiefs convened at Robins Air Force Base April 22-23 for the Air National Guard’ annual Commanders Conference. This was the first commander’s conference for Brig. Gen. Scott Hammond since being appointed Georgia Air National Guard Commander. 

“Ethical Leadership” was Hammond’s focus for the two-day conference and discussion with commanders of Georgia two wings and five GSUs (Geographically Separated Units).

Air National Guard Inspector General, Lt. Col. Robert Shannon, conducted the conference that examined the commanders’ role in establishing and enacting ethical leaderships at all levels within the organization. Shannon carefully examined contemporary issues of abuses by leadership as exposed in daily newspapers and guided the group discussion on ethical conflicts that arise through the use of various contemporary military case studies.

With elements of both the 116th Air Control Wing and 165th Airlift Wing still deployed, each Guard unit summarized its activities for the past year. These include deployments, national awards, and recognition by Macon’s 202nd Engineering Installation Squadron, new construction initiatives at Savannah’s Combat Readiness Training Center and deployment of personnel with the 165th Air Support Operations Squardon with the 48th Brigade. 

The conference also received an in-depth briefing from Maj. Gen. David Poythress and was treated to an informative program from Mr. Ed Davidson, former Navy fighter pilot and currently Managing Director and Vice President of Operations for Grand Holdings, Inc., who addressed the banquet on corporate ethical behavior.