First Air National Guard members certified, space-ready

First Air National Guard members certified, space-ready

Released: Apr 21, 1998

FALCON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- Air Force Space Command and the Air National Guard reached an important milestone April 10. A step closer to the command's goal to increase total force participation in space missions, four members of the Louisiana Air National Guard 236th Combat Communications Squadron at Hammond, La., became the first Guard members ever certified as Air Force Space Support Team members.

AFSST members deploy around the globe providing space support to military units in every theater of operation.

The Louisiana Squadron has supported the 76th Space Operations Squadron here, home of the AFSST, since 76th SOPS's inception in December 1995. Since then, the Louisiana ANG's support has developed into a broad range of support and now four 236th CCS members are fully qualified AFSST members.

Second Lt. Troy Pou, Senior Master Sgt. Milton Lizana, Staff Sgts. Don Hermann and Walter Callaway from the 236th CCS received extensive training here in AFSST operations before gaining certification.

These newest members are now able to deploy with any AFSST team requiring their particular expertise. (Courtesy of Air Force Space Command News Service)