Archives July 2025

In early May, the 210th Engineering Installation Squadron, Minnesota Air National Guard, and 205th Engineering Installation Squadron, Oklahoma Air National Guard, came together at Camp Ripley Training Center for a joint training exercise known as the May Fly Away, which focused on strengthening mission readiness and building unit cohesion.

The multi-day field training provided hands-on experience in critical operating areas, including CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) response, confined space entry, geospatial survey, fiber optic cable installation, and vehicle operations. These scenarios were designed to simulate deployed environments and sharpen skills critical to real-world missions.

“Training with the Oklahoma unit was a great experience,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Victor Stark, 210th EIS. “The engineering section was very positive and offered valuable insight into the review process. It provided an excellent opportunity for team building and cohesion.”

In addition to the mission-focused training, the exercise featured an “[Engineering Installation] EI Olympics” competition, a spirited challenge between the two squadrons that tested speed, problem-solving, and teamwork across a series of events. The competition brought out the best in both squadrons, fostering camaraderie and healthy rivalry.

“The energy during the EI Olympics was electric,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Charlie Stenzel, 210th EIS. “It was a fun, competitive environment that really brought everyone together. It helped us build a stronger connection with another squadron in the EI community.”

When the dust settled, the 205th EIS emerged as the winner, earning bragging rights until next year’s rematch. The May Fly Away not only enhanced operational proficiency but also reinforced the importance of collaboration. Experiences like this ensure both squadrons remain mission-ready and connected – on and off the field.

“I was impressed by how well each unit collaborated,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alan Huntington, 210th EIS. “Everyone had a great attitude, and we really operated as one team. I’m looking forward to seeing what the 205th EIS comes up with when they host the next Fly Away.”

Story by Master Sgt. Erin Barry
Minnesota National Guard

Through an effort dubbed Operation Food Fairy, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, in partnership with Meals from the Heart, provided 100 bags of groceries to those in need in the military community on July 11.

Meals from Heart volunteers packed the grocery bags and then BTYR volunteers delivered them to armories and bases across the state. Tom Thiets, Meals from the Heart president, said the nonprofit organization does this “because it’s the right thing to do.”

“They serve us. We have to make sure they’re taken care of,” Thiets said.

Barb Jorgensen, Meals from the Heart volunteer, has family members who served in the military, and she enjoys lending a hand.

“It’s just doing such a great service,” Jorgensen said. “It fills my heart to know that these people need things, and we can give it to them.”

Besides giving her time, Jorgensen and her family donated to sponsor a hole at this year’s Meals from the Heart 2nd Annual Golf Tournament.

For the past five years, Meals from the Heart has been a BTYR partner in providing food for the military community, and it is able to do this through donations and fundraisers, such as the golf tournament. To register or support the tournament on July 21, go to https://mealsfromtheheart.org/special-events/golf-tournament/.

Story by Cristina Oxtra

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs

Growing up with a passion for aviation, Airman 1st Class Edward Chmiel has turned his love for flying into a military and civilian career.

Chmiel, an established commercial airline pilot, recently joined the Minnesota National Guard’s Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing as a crew chief. In this role, he will maintain fighter jets and hopes to take control of an F-16 one day.

“I’d like to fly in the Guard,” said Chmiel. “I am trying to take steps to that now.”

Chmiel’s fascination with aviation began as a child. He recalls growing up near the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. He was mesmerized by the planes flying overhead and knew early on that he wanted to fly. In high school, he dreamed of joining the Air Force. Chmiel joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) during his sophomore year, where he earned a pilot’s license.

“We looked at backgrounds of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets,” said Chmiel. “Nearly 25% of them had a CAP background. That’s where I met all my mentors and professional connections.”

The journey to his first flight began unexpectedly, an experience he still finds surreal when he reflects on it, Chmiel said. He heard that a CAP National Flight Academy in Mattoon, Illinois had open student slots three weeks before the academy began.

“We didn’t really know it was happening,” he said.

With only curiosity and a willingness to try, he showed up to the Academy with no expectations. By midweek, something changed.

“They pulled me out of ground school to get my medical,” he recalled, explaining that a medical clearance is required to fly. The next Saturday—graduation morning— I went with my instructor to Effingham, Illinois and soloed at 7.9 hours [of flight time].”

Soloing that early was unusual, but it marked a turning point. As he reflected on his accomplishments that evening, several experienced pilots pulled him aside.

“They said, “Hey, you know you can do this for a job?’” said Chmiel. “I said, “Yeah, that’s what I want to do.”

Since that moment in 2014, Chmiel has flown at least every two weeks, fueling his passion for aviation with every takeoff and landing. However, shortly after his first flight, Chmiel learned that his aspiration of serving in the Air Force wouldn’t be possible because of a medical disqualification. He had eczema, and a decade ago, it was a disqualifying condition for military service. The setback pushed him to focus on a career as a civilian pilot instead.

He moved quickly, obtaining a commercial pilot’s license, completing his degree, and even working as a flight instructor with the Civil Air Patrol. At one point, he was flying as many as 35 days in a row, logging at least five hours of flight time each day. He continued to gain experience to compete in the airline industry. His persistence eventually paid off, but his dream of serving in the military never really faded.

Several years later, while working on an airplane with another pilot, Chmiel learned that joining the Air National Guard was possible without prior active service.

“That got the gears turning in my head,” said Chmiel.

Two days later, he discovered that the Air Force had reclassified eczema as a waiverable condition, reigniting his dream. Chmiel began applying to Guard units in 2020 and eventually joined the Minnesota National Guard in 2024. His civilian aviation career continued to progress; he holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, the highest level of aircraft pilot certification.

Despite his busy schedule, Chmiel is committed to supporting the organization that set him up for success. He volunteers with CAP and helps train young cadets in aviation fundamentals while mentoring future pilots.

Chmiel graduated basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base and was recognized as an honor graduate, demonstrating excellence in all areas of academic and military training. To qualify as an honor graduate, traniees must score 90 percent or higher on all written exams, pass all inspections and be recommended by their military training instructor.

His interest in the maintenance side of aircraft isn’t just about improving his skills as a pilot; it’s part of his broader goal to understand every aspect of aviation. Chmiel hopes to commission and become a pilot with the 148th Fighter Wing. He is also looking forward to leadership opportunities with the National Guard.

“For now, I’m focused on the next step, which is becoming the best crew chief,” said Chmiel.

Story by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh
Minnesota National Guard