Fox Chatter

In this month's Fox Chatter, 169th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Taylor Blevins shares his priorities for the wing, including support for returning deployers, future readiness, leadership accessibility, and the Air National Guard's F-35 competition. He also discusses efforts to tell the Swamp Fox story and what Airmen can expect during June drill. The episode also features Chaplain Pittman discussing Strong Bonds and resiliency resources, along with Master Sgt. Shawn Nichols is highlighting upcoming training opportunities for Airmen.

The May 2026 edition of Fox Chatter highlights key updates from the 169th Fighter Wing during the May drill weekend at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, including a change of command ceremony and the annual Family Day event.

Leadership discusses improvements in individual medical readiness and ongoing efforts to sustain force health and training standards. Additional segments cover the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign and updated retirement briefings supporting Airmen and families.

Col. Shaun Bowes, 169th Fighter Wing commander, closes the episode by reflecting on recent operational accomplishments and emphasizing readiness, teamwork, and mission execution across the wing.

In the March 2026 edition of Fox Chatter, Col. Shaun Bowes, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, talks about the upcoming super drill and Staff Exercise supporting certification for the 27.2 rotation, recent engagements at the National Guard Bureau and on Capitol Hill as the wing prepares for future aircraft basing decisions, the importance of Individual Medical Readiness, and previews the Top Gun Drill Meet and Family Day, along with recognizing national-level award winners.

On this episode of Fox Chatter, U.S. Air Force Col. Jim Roth, commander of the 169th Mission Support Group, steps in as guest host to guide Swamp Fox listeners through a fast-moving and unpredictable moment for the wing. Roth opens with an update on shifting operations, winter weather responses, evolving exercise plans, and the growing focus on both 2026 readiness and the historic demands already taking shape for 2027. Framing the current tempo through themes of flexibility, preparation, and teamwork, he highlights how mission support functions underpin everything from state activations to federal taskings. Joined by Chief Master Sgt. In the conversation, John Quattlebaum and Dr. Nick Thomas transition to family readiness resources and the human side of high-tempo operations, before Roth closes with a clear message to Airmen: stay ready, stay adaptable, and keep taking care of one another as the mission accelerates.

The January 2026 episode of Fox Chatter kicks off the new year with a look back at the accomplishments that defined 2025 and a preview of what lies ahead as the wing prepares for its 2027 deployment cycle. The episode outlines January drill priorities, individual readiness requirements, and the importance of open communication amid ongoing Air Force-wide changes, including the transition to the Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 framework.

Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen joins the podcast to recognize the 2025 annual award winners, highlighting the Airmen, civilians, families, and units whose performance drove mission success and readiness across the wing. Master Sgt. Justin Cayton provides details on the upcoming Top Gun Drill Meet in March, while Senior Master Sgt. Mark Fuge discusses a February enlisted leadership symposium hosted by the Top Three, focused on professional development and leadership growth.