WO Notes

July 09

Happy 4th of July.

I hope each of you had a safe and relaxing Holiday Weekend.

I am excited about our upcoming Warrant Officer Symposium. We have 41 enlisted Soldiers coming to the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville on 11 Jul to learn more about becoming a Warrant Officer in the TNARNG. These Soldiers are eligible to fill the following MOS's. 131A, 150A, 210A, 250N, 350F, 882A, 915A, 920A, 920B, 922A, and 948D. These are the specific MOS's that are short in the state. At the conclusion of the symposium, I will email to you the names of the attendees so you can talk with them directly given the opportunity. Also, for those of you in the Middle TN area, COL Mark Jones from the Warrant Officer Career College will speak at the Symposium on that Saturday morning. If you are able, I encourage you to come listen. He is a great speaker and a great supporter of the WO CORPS. Be in the Belmont Room on the 3rd floor of the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville at 0800hrs.

To the 420A community. I have asked the new Chief Warrant Officer for the AG school to come visit TN. CW5 Scott Hagar has just taken over at Ft. Jackson. Scott seems to be a great supporter of the NG and has already helped TN get a Soldier into a school ahead of schedule. I would like a response from the 420As in TN who world be interested in meeting with CW5 Hagar. I will also invite the 42As in the area to attend.

    The WO Workday at the State Veteran's Home in Murfreesboro is still scheduled for Saturday, 29 Aug 09. I hope each of you will block off this day on your calendar and be part of this event.
    In July and August we will have 8 new WO1's in the state. Our numbers are improving....but we still have much work to do. Keep putting the good word out about the TNARNG Warrant Officer CORPS. Thanks Lee and Lance.
    CW3 Chad Cookston (President of the Volunteer Chapter of the USAWOA) will hold a Assn meeting on Friday, 11 Jul 09 at 1530hrs in Nashville. Look for additional information from Chad real soon. I encourage all Warrant Officers to participate. For those outside of the Nashville area, a teleconference will be set up so you can call in.
    On 14 Sep 09 the CCWO of the National Guard will hold his annual Warrant Officer Leadership Seminar. Each of the state's CCWOs is allowed to bring two additional WOs to the Seminar. Last year I brought two WOs from the field. This year I would like to bring WOs from the JFHQ/TDA units. I am looking for a senior W2, a W3, or a junior W4. I am looking for WOs who show leadership in their field and those who will have a positive influence on the WO CORPS in the future. If you would like to nominate someone, please let me know via email.
    Keep up the good work and make the TNARNG Warrant Officer CORPS proud.

April 09
    Yesterday, the 18yr old son of CW2 Kenny Reaves passed away in an automobile accident. Please keep Kenny and his family in your prayers. Kenny is a great Soldier and we are all heart broken with his loss. Kenny is the full-time Administrative Warrant for the 278th ACR and is credited with turning their personnel program around. Kenny is highly respected by his peers and his command. There are no funeral details at this time but I will pass on additional information as it becomes available.
    REMINDER: On Saturday, 11 April 09 several of our Warrant Officers will gather at the State Veteran's Home in Murfreesboro TN for the 2nd WO Volunteer Work Day. Right now 15 Warrant Officers (and families) have volunteered. If you have not contacted me, please do so ASAP so I can let the Home know how many to expect for lunch. We need rakes, shovels, garden tools, wheel barrels, etc. The Home has laid out several projects for us to work on while there. Additionally, those interested can work inside with the residents. I encourage you to participate in this rewarding event.
    Thanks to all who attended the NGAT Conference in March. The WO Corp had a great showing and I know each WO had a great time. In case you were not there, the National Guard's first 4-Star General (Gen Craig McKinley) spoke to the members. In addition, the Army Guard and Air Guard Directors (3-Star's) were present. This is something that has never happened at any State Conference, and most likely will never happen again. On the Friday of the conference, 30 Warrant Officers gathered to hold the WO Advisory Council Meeting and also the USAWOA quarterly meeting. Having 30 Warrants present for these meetings has never happened before. Topics of discussion were; increasing WO representation on the NGAT Executive Council, upcoming WO Symposium, location of the gavel that was used for WO meetings (it is lost), mentorship, Veterans Home Cleanup, having WOC's present at the Conference (just as Officer Candidates are present), the CW5 rank issue (leave it alone,
or change it to the Rising Eagle), and the new USAWOA Officers for the coming year were introduced. This was a great meeting, and one that we can definitely build on. We quickly found that 1.5hrs was not enough time to discuss the issues. One of my immediate goals is to find a venue where we can continue these discussions.
    Two of Tennessee's finest aviators retired this month. CW4 Ronny Thompson entered the Army in Jan 1967 and immediately found himself in the Republic of Vietnam. While there Ronny served as an infantryman, gunner and MP. Ronny joined the TNARNG in Jan 81 where he served as an enlisted Aerial Observer/Crew Chief with the Aviation Squadron. In Jan 85 Ronny became an Army Aviator and was assigned to the Aviation Detachment with the 30th Sep Armd Bde in Jackson. Ronny flew the UH-1 and the OH-6 while there. In 1992 Ronny moved to Smyrna where he added the UH-60 to his qualifications. Ronny's background has always been in the maintenance field and was a qualified MTP in all three aircraft. In addition to the above, Ronny is qualified in the OH-58 and AH-1 aircraft and has served as an IP. Since March of 2000, Ronny has served as an in the RAID unit. Ronny plans to take the summer off and enjoy the road on his motorcycle. In the fall he plans to continue flying in the civilian market.
    CW4 Bill Starnes graduated from ETSU in Dec of 1969 and entered the Army as a 2LT. After completing his flight training, Bill also found himself in Vietnam serving as a Flight Section Leader and Detachment Commander. Bill served 1yr in Vietnam followed by 2 years back at FT Sill in the newly formed Aerial Field Artillery Battalion. Bill joined the Tennessee Army National Guard immediately after leaving Active Duty. While in the Guard, Bill has served as a Facility Instructor Pilot, numerous positions as Co/Trp Commander and as the Squadron Operations Officer. Bill finally saw the light and served many years as a Warrant Officer. Bill has flown the OH-6, UH-1, AH-1 and the OH-58D. Bill continues to fly in his full-time position as the Chief Pilot for Food City Aviation.
    I would like to welcome Tennessee's newest Warrant Officers:
WO1 William Stepp, our new Bandmaster
WO1 William Newman, 915 in the 1-230th ACS
WO1 James Guthrie, 948 in the Spt Sqdn, 278th ACR
WO1 Mike Mulloy, 420 in the RRB
WO1 Terry Medley, 948 in the 771st Maint Co
WO1 Mike Copeland, 254 in the HHC, 278th ACR
    There has been much discussion on changing the CW5 rank. There are many pros and cons to this and I think people are split 50/50 on whether or not to do so. Many don't like the current rank, but many don't want the Rising Eagle as it represents all WOs, not just the CW5. I would like to hear your comments. The below link shows the many options that were put out in 2003.

March 09
    13-15 Mar 09 - NGAT Conference - I hope to see each of you at the SaturdayMorning Business Meeting. Lets hear what our Political and Military Leaders have to say about the future of the Tennessee National Guard. Also, at 1330hrs on Friday the 13th, there will be a two-fold Warrant Officer meeting. The WO Advisory Council to NGAT and the USAWOA Chapter meetings will be held. I encourage you to attend this meeting. This is your chance to let your voice be heard and to get involved in the WO Association.
    Saturday, 11 Apr 09 is the next Warrant Officer Workday at the State Veteran's Home in Murfreesboro TN. I have had over a dozen WOs commit to being there. This is a rewarding experience and you will be sorry if you are not part of it. Call/email me for more information.
    After 36 years of service to the Military, CW4 Bob Land is retiring. Bob joined the Navy in 1965 as a Boatswains Mate where he served 6yrs of Active Duty and several more as a Reservist. Bob joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1977 as was one of the original members of the 30th Troop Command. In 2007 Bob moved from the Troop Command to the J4 where he served as the State's Food Service Tech. Bob plans to spend much of his free time riding his motorcycle and is considering opening a motorcycle shop with his son.
    I recently sent an email to you all concerning the new design of the CW5 rank. There was no picture attached, so I am just as curious as you what it will look like. I have had many of you comment about this proposed change. Feel free to let me know your thoughts. I will attend the CCWO conference next week and I am sure this will be discussed.
    Warrant Officer strength in the state is on a gradual upward incline. Keep talking to your quality soldiers about joining the Warrant Officer Corps.

February 09
    I want to focus these notes on the upcoming NGAT Conference. The Conference will again be held at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville TN, 13-15 Mar 09. I encourage you to attend.
    This is an opportunity to hear from our Federal and State Leadership and also to hear the vision of our Adjutant General. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to support your command. While the Commissioned and Warrant Ranks have different roles in the unit, we are all charged as leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and your attendance at this conference is one of them. We need to restore the respect and reputation of the Warrant Officer CORPS in Tennessee. We can take a large step in that direction by participating (as a united CORPS) in these Social Military events. Tennessee's Warrant Officer CORPS is made up of quality leaders, but we complain about not getting the respect that the Warrant Officer deserves. Being the Technical Expert is not enough anymore. We need to be an active
member of our unit, we need to set the standard and we need to lead by example. Support your Command, stand up and be counted when your unit's name is called on that Saturday Morning. The respect that we deserve will follow.
    The 2009 "Warrant Officer of the Year" will be announced at the Saturday Morning Business Meeting. Nominations have been received from each of the MACOMs and the JFHQ. The Warrant Officer Advisory Council will review the nominations and make the selection.
    The NGAT Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, 12 Mar 09 at the Brentwood Country Club.
    At 1300hrs on Friday, 13 Mar 09 the Warrant Officer Council of the NGAT will meet. If you have any issues you wish brought before this committee, please contact CW4 John Oldham. At this same time, USAWOA will hold its quarterly meeting. This year's officers will take over at this time.
    If you plan on attending the entire Conference (including the Sat night Dinner) your registration paperwork must be turned into the NGAT office NLT 16 Feb
09.

5 Jan 09

I hope each of you had a relaxing and blessed holiday. I look forward to working for you and with you in 2009.

1. Tennessee's Warrant Officer strength is now sitting at 80.1%. We have a great upward trend going and I thank you for your efforts. Please keep sending those leads to our WOSM's as we are still short 70 Warrant Officers in the state. You will very soon see Warrant Officer recruiting posters hanging in all of TN's armories.

2. In December, Tennessee's chapter of the USAWOA donated $250 to SSG Phillip Foster of the 301st Troop Command. Phillip and his family lost everything in a house fire just prior to Christmas. This is another example of what your Association is doing for the Guard community.

3. Congratulations to the new officers of our chapter of the USAWOA. CW3 Chad Cookston of Chattanooga has been elected as President, CW5(R) Ricky Goodrich as the VP, CW4 Tracy Webb as the Treasurer and CW2 Mary Deel as the secretary. These individuals will assume their duties at the March meeting. NOTE: The March meeting will be held on the Friday afternoon of the NGAT conference at the Music City Sheraton in Nashville, Tenn.

4. Congratulations also go out to our newest Warrant Officers. WO1s Alicia Hall, Kenneth Spivey, Ula Manor, David Hines, Terry Medley, and Jason Kirby successfully completed Warrant Officer Candidate School in December. I encourage TN's senior Warrant Officers to search out these individuals, congratulate, encourage and provide them with the knowledge you have obtained over the years. This leads to my next topic on mentorship.

5. Since taking on the CCWO duties in September I have wanted to develop a mentorship program for TN's warrant officer corps. I have recently contacted all the new WO1s in the state to ask them about a mentorship program. All have stated that they would like to be involved in a program if we had one. Many senior warrants support this, but no one can put a finger on how to get it started. Mentoring is a powerful tool for personal and professional development and it will ensure the continued growth of the WO corps. I have made the first step in the development of such a program. On the WO website you will now see a mentorship link at the bottom. Here you will find a listing of all the CW3s, CW4s and CW5s in the state. Access to this list will give the junior warrants a place to go when they have questions concerning their MOS or military education. Mentoring cannot be made mandatory and I should not appoint a mentor to a new warrant officer. This voluntary relationship needs to be built on trust and respect among the two individuals. Again, this is just the first step in the development of a mentorship program. I encourage your participation and feedback.

6. Congratulations to CW4 Bob Angus. Bob retired on 25 Dec 08 after 42 years of service to the military. Bob spent many years on active duty as a commissioned officer working in the Aviation Maintenance field. In 1969, Bob served in this field and as the training officer for a transportation battalion while deployed to Vietnam. Bob joined the TNARNG in 1975 where he was assigned to the 30th Maintenance Battalion of the 30th Infantry Division. In 1995, Bob joined the WO corps and was assigned as the property accountability technician for the Smyrna Training Site, where he served until his retirement on the 25th. Bob's wife of 40 years, Glenda, has also recently retired from civil service. Bob and Glenda plan to spend their retirement traveling. They already have trips planned to Europe and Alaska. In their spare time, they will work on their hobbies of scrapbooking and genealogy.

7. THE QUIET PROFESSIONAL - According to an article from the USAWOA website, this description of the warrant officer comes from a speech that MG Jack Keane, commander of the 101st Division (Air Assault), gave to a warrant officer membership meeting in 1992 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While this was (and is) an apt description of the corps, I think it is time we got rid of the word "quiet." For the benefit of the corps, we need to be a bit more visible and vocal. We need to be seen as leaders in our units, we need to participate in our unit's professional development, we need to attend our unit's social events, and in all matters we need to support the command. We need to build some "esprit de corps" and we need to recruit some quality soldiers to take our place and build on our accomplishments. I do believe that by being a professional officer, supporting the command, and building up the corps, we will attain the respect and recognition that the warrant officer corps deserves.

8. OERs. I encourage all WOs to use the OER process to set goals for the year. DA Pam 623-3, Ch 2, 2-1 1(a)-1(c) sets the guidelines for the initial face to face between the rater and the officer being rated. At the beginning of a rated period, shortly after the rated officer assumes duties, the rated officer is provided by the rater ccopies of the rater's rated officer, then must draft their DA Form 67-9-1, DUTY DESCRIPTION (part IVa) and MAJOR PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES (part IVb). One of the most important things in this process is within the first 30 days, the rater conducts initial face to face counseling on all newly appointed officers as well as interstate transferred officers. Take advantage of this "requirement" to set your goals. For WO1s, quarterly counseling is mandatory. For CW2s, the goal is once around midpoint 3-6 months.

Upcoming Events:
NGAT conference 13-15 March 09 at the Music City Sheraton
WO Workday at the State Veteran's Home: 11 April 09
NGAUS Conference at Opryland: 8-14 Sep 09

3 Dec 08
Warrant Officers,
1. First of all, I hope each of you had a very relaxing, filling and Happy Thanksgiving. Take time this Thanksgiving/Christmas season to relect on all the many blessings that have been given to us.

2. New website for the TNARNG Warrant Officer Corps. You will soon be able to access this site by clicking the "CCWO" link on the TNARNG homepage. This is a site for current and prospective Warrant Officers to visit and search out information about the Warrant Officer Corps in Tennessee. This includes current vacancies, promotion requirements, WO listing, WO job announcements, etc. If you have any suggestions or comments, please let me know. Check it out now: http://tnmilitary/wo%20home%20page/pages/wohomepage.htm

3. The Volunteer Chapter of the Warrant Officer Association will hold its quarterly meeting on Saturday, 6 Dec 08 at 11 CST (1200 EST). This meeting will be held via teleconference so that more can participate. Call 1-866-367-7559, enter code 3075 when prompted. At this meaning you will have the opportunity to select next year's Assn Officers. Those in Nashville will meet at the WO Strength Manager's office (next to the PX). This teleconference can hold up to 35 phone calls. i encourage Warrant Officers to group together at their armory and make single phone calls into the conference. NOTE: Don't make your phone call until exactly 1100 hrs. NGB does not open the teleconference until the exact hour.

4. The NGAT Conference is scheduled for 13-15 Mar 09 in Nashville. Make plans to attend and participate in the meetings and dinners. CW4 John Oldham and CW2 Brian Gregory are the officers of the NGAT Warrant Officer Committee. Contact them with any issues you would like brought forward. The NGAT Golf Tournament is Thursday, 12 Mar 09 at the Brentwood Country Club.

5. In past years the CCWO has presented awards for the Candidate of the Year and the Warrant Officer of the Year at the NGAT Conference. I am working with the Warrant Officer Strength Managers to determine the Candidate of the Year, but I am approaching the Warrant Officer of the Year a bit differently. I have asked each MACOM and the JFHQ to nominate one Warrant Officer each for this award. The Warrant Officer Council will select the WO of the Year from this list.

6. Congratulations to CW4(R) John Yearwood. John retired last month after serving the Tennessee National Guard for 38 years. John worked early in his career as a recruiter, followed by many years as an AST and UA in Alamo. In 1990, John became the manager of the Milan Training Site where he spent the rest of his career. John plans to spend more time with his wife Jane and his grandchildren. In his spare time, John will catch up on some needed yard work. Best wishes to John and Jane.

7. Also, congratulations to the new Warrant Officers in our state. Lee Clark, Travis Hammons, Michael Copeland, and Scarlett Bernier graduated in November from Warrant Officer Candidate School and are now WO1s. This week we have Alicia Hall, Kenneth Spivey and Ula Manor graduating. In mid December we will have three more Warrants: David Hines, Terry Medley and Jason Kirby. Make it a point to congratulate these individuals when you see them.

8. Tennessee's Warrant Officer Strength is currently 79.2%. The Warrant Officer Strength Managers are doing a great job of putting candidates in school as you can see from #7 above. They need your help though. Tennessee still has 70 vacancies and all of these positions are critical to their units. Talk to soldiers now and tell them about the benefits of becoming a Warrant Officer. Show them the new website which contains a list of all vacancies and lays out the road to becoming a Warrant Officer.

9. On Thursday, 4 Dec 08, ten of your fellow Warrant Officers will meet at the VISC in Smyrna to have their picture made. These Warrant Officers represent all MACOMs and MOSs in the TNARNG. Look for their picture on WO Recruiting Posters which will be placed in all armories across the state.

10. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 11 April 2009. This will be our second opportunity to participate in a "workday" at a state veteran's home. Tentatively, this will be held at the Murfreesboro State Veteran's Home.

7 Nov 08
1. This coming Monday is the Annual WO Assn Golf Tournament. It isn't too late to register. Contact Lee Kies if you are interested.
2. The next Veteran's Home Warrant Officer Workday is scheduled for Sat., 11 Apr. 08. Please put this on your calendar. Location: TBA (either Murfreesboro or Knoxville)

3. The next meeting of the Volunteer Chapter of the USAWOA will take place during lunch (1100 CST) on Saturday, 6 Dec. 08 (IDT). This will again be held via VTC to insure all WOs can easily attend. We have received several nominations for Assn Officers, both active and retired WO's. Nominees will be presented at the VTC and you will email your vote to the current President, Lee Kies. I encourage you to participate in this meeting and be part of choosing it's leadership.
4. Our Warrant Officer Recruiters are putting candidates in school. Between now and the end of Dec., TN will have 11 soldiers graduating from Warrant Officer Candidate School. Several more are scheduled for March/April classes. We are doing better, but there are still vacancies out there. Keep talking to soldiers about the WO Corps.

5. Very soon you will see a Warrant Officer Home Page. This will be accessible by clicking the "CCWO" link on the TNARNG homepage. Look this over for a current list of WO vacancies and other Regs/Policies/Briefings that affect the WO Corps. There is a link entitled "How to Become a WO." Use this site when soldiers ask you about becoming a WO. If you would like to see something additional on this homepage, let me know.
6. On Thursday, 10 Dec. 08, ten of our Warrant Officers will head to the VISC in Smyrna to have their pictures made. This group picture will be part of a Warrant Officer Recruiting Poster to be displayed in all NG armories across the state.

7. Finally, congratulations go out to CW4(R) Jerry Robbins of Cookeville, TN. Jerry retired last month after serving the TNARNG for 42 years as an M-Day soldier. Jerry finished his career serving at the 117th RTI in Smyrna, but most of his time was spent with the old 3/278 ACR in Cookeville, TN. Jerry had early tours as an enlisted soldier and a commissioned officer. BG Haston remembers serving as CPTs with Jerry and comments that Jerry showed him "the right way" of doing things and was always concerned with taking care of soldiers. Jerry deployed with the 3/278 to Iraq in '04 and served under then LTC Jeff Holmes. COL Holmes says that Jerry left a legacy of dependability and genuine caring for soldiers that will last in the Regiment forever. Jerry's father, J.B. Robbins, served as the PBO for the Regiment for many years and Jerry says that it was his father who got him into the WO Corps. Jerry has owned a landscaping company in Cookeville for 34 years and has been married to his wife Barbara for 38 years. COL Geren presented Jerry with a Meritorious Service Medal upon his retirement. Best wishes to Jerry and Barbara.

27 Oct 08
Good Morning,

I would like to give you a quick report on what some of your fellow Warrant Officers did this past Saturday. These Warrant Officers (with some family members) spent their Saturday at the State Veterans Home in Humboldt TN. The Home had an older patio area that needed some landscaping work done with the goal of having a nice "safe" area for the Home's residents to spend time in. With the help of personal tillers, shovels, racks, and wheelbarrows, these men and women dug up old shrubbery, tilled the ground, laid weed control matting, planted bushes & flowers, and laid mulch. Also, these guys replaced an older pond with a decorative water fountain. The group also purchased socks and sweat pants for the residents use. I would like to thank the following men for donating their time and money to this cause -

CW3 Dan Cole, 1-230th ACS, AASF #2 Flight Operations, CW3 Jim Edwards, Bde Tng Tm #1, JFHQ, CW2 Brian Gregory, 777th Maint Co, FMS Supervisor, CW2 David Hollis, FSC, 230th EN BN, FMS Supervisor , CW2 Joey Reed, FSC, 230th EN BN, FMS Supervisor, CW4(P) James Wood, J4, CW4 Doug Woody, Trp B, Spt Sqdn, 278th ACR, CW3 Lee Kies, Recruiting and Retention Command, CW4 John Oldham, Det 25, OSA (C-12 Det),

We will schedule a similar Workday in the Spring at either the Murfreesboro or Knoxville State Veteran's Home.

30 Sep 08

Hello All, Just a few notes.

1. Recruiting and Retention - Our Warrant Officer Strength Managers (CW3 Kies and CW2 Jenkins) are ending the FY with some good Recruiting and Retention numbers. Over the past years we have lost more Warrant Officers then we have brought in. Strength has been in the 70% range. This year the WOSM's have brought in 36 new Warrants with only 27 Warrants leaving the Guard. They have met and exceeded their Recruiting goals and our strength is approaching 75%. I appreciate their work. We as a Corp cannot relax though. There is much work to be done and the WOSMs cannot do this without our help. The 278th ACR deploys soon and is sitting as 47% strength. Attached is a list of vacancies and a list of the general qualifications for a new Warrant Officer Candidate. Lets all get out there and find some quality candidates to fill the 25% vacancy rate that we have.

2. Membership in the Volunteer Chapter of the United States Army Warrant Officer's Association is growing. We need to keep pushing membership and let non-members know what this association is doing for the Corp. The Association is now accepting nominations for next years Officers. Please get involved and recommend some quality guys/gals to lead this group. Send your nominations to CW3 Kies, CW2 Mangrum, CW2 Jenkins or CW3 Lannom.

Put Saturday, 25 Oct 08 on your calendar. The WO Association has scheduled a workday at the State Veteran's Home in Humboldt TN. While the details are still being worked out, we will arrive at the home mid-morning and work on some landscaping around a new Pavilion they are building. The Association has donated $250 toward the landscaping materials. The Home has invited us to eat dinner with them that evening. Please come and plan to stay through dinner. I am told that the fellowship means more to the residents than any project we could do while there. I do need to know the number of attendees so they can prepare the meals, so please RSVP to me - contact info below. More info to follow asap. The Association will schedule workdays at the Veterans Homes in Murfreesboro and Knoxville next year.

The WO Association is putting on its annual Golf Tournament on Monday, 10 Nov 08. This is a great opportunity to have some fun, do some networking and lose some golf balls. But most importantly, this is the Association's biggest fund raiser for the year. This past year Tennessee's Warrant Officer Association gave $1,000 to the family of CW3 Tim Flenigan (killed in Afghanistan), $500 to the victims of the Macon County Tornadoes and as mentioned above, another $250 is going to the State Veteran's Home in Humboldt TN. Information on the Golf Tournament will be published very soon. Please get involved.

3. The only headgear to be worn in Tennessee is the black beret. The only site in Tennessee that has a "no headgear" policy is Houston Barracks in Nashville. NOTE: Look for Houston Barracks to very soon be a "headgear" area - once the new building is complete. Wherever you work - set the example.

4. I am now developing a Promotion Board for the rank of CW5. This will require all applicants for a CW5 position to create a Promotion Packet, which will include a current DA Photo, a current and accurate 2-1, a Resume and a letter to the board. There will be a board of your peers conducting the interview. This is still in development, but I am letting you know now so it won't be a surprise when the time comes.

5. I am putting together a Warrant Officer Advisory Council. This council will meet regularly and serve as an advisory and sounding board for the CCWO. The board will consist of the current CW5's in the state in addition to a Senior Warrant Officer Representative from each MACOM. I have asked each MACOM Commander to appoint a Senior Warrant Officer for their Command. The MACOM representatives are: CW4 RV Davis for the 278th, CW4 Fred Hixon for the 230th Sustainment Brigade, CW4 Rex Birdsong from the 30th Troop Command and CW2 David Hollis from the 194th Engineer Brigade.

6. The Warrant Officer Values are: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Courage.