By TECH. SGT. JESSICA CONDIT
189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The Arkansas Air National Guard welcomed Brig. Gen. Marc A. Sicard of Cabot as its new commander during a ceremony Saturday at Little Rock Air Force Base. Sicard took the reins from Brig. Gen. James K. Vogel, who retired from the Air National Guard the same day.
Vogel commanded the Arkansas Air National Guard for more than 18 months.
As commander of the Arkansas Air National Guard, Sicard oversees the operation of all Air National Guard components in the state, including more than 2,500 airmen who make up the organization.
“We have a responsibility to take care of our airmen and to grow them,” Sicard said. “We have mastered the mission, now we need to focus on the people.”
The change-of-command ceremony symbolizes the transfer of continued responsibilities from one commander to another with no break in command. The ceremony also gives airmen the opportunity to welcome the incoming commander and his family to the unit.
Sicard was previously staff director for the Arkansas Air National Guard at the state’s Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Joseph T. Robinson.
As director, he oversaw the daily operations for the 188th Wing as well as the 189th Airlift Wing and its components.
Working with the previous commander, the Joint Force Headquarters Director of Staff and the Adjutant General, Sicard was also responsible for policies that directed and maintained the programs within the Arkansas Air National Guard.
“The future is bright for the Arkansas Air National Guard,” Sicard said. “We are making ground-breaking strides in cyber operations and training, and moving toward test and evaluation of manned I.S.R. and C-130 formal training efficiencies. Being considered for these mission sets isn’t by chance; it’s because of the exceptional work each and every airman does every day.”
“I’m proud to be a member and honored by the opportunity to lead the exceptional airmen and civilians who continue to answer our nation’s call,” Sicard said.
