Fox Chatter

In the episode of Fox Chatter, U.S. Air Force Col. Taylor Blevins, 169th Fighter Wing commander, provides an update on deployed Airmen, discusses wing priorities, including supporting Airmen returning from deployment, and highlights upcoming events at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina.

Master Sgt. Laura Quattlebaum also joins the episode to discuss the wing Community Action Team, its role in supporting the wing community and opportunities for Airmen to get involved.

In this month's episode of Fox Chatter, Col. Taylor Blevins, the 169th Fighter Wing commander, discusses priorities for the September super drill. We also hear from Maj. Sherryl Linkous about readiness training and Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Monroe to encourage Airmen to join the Base Honor Guard team.

In this month's Fox Chatter, 169th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Taylor Blevins highlights key accomplishments from across the wing throughout the summer and provides updates as the unit prepares for August drill. Lt. Col. Rachel Phillips also explains the Air Force's new waist-to-height ratio requirement including the requirement for collecting baseline measurements for all Airmen during the August drill weekend. She also discusses fitness classes that are currently offered at the base gym.

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.

Fox Chatter Episode 25 features the 169th Fighter Wing’s monthly commander update as U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bowes, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, reflects on the challenges of the recent government shutdown, the resilience of the Swamp Fox team, and the support provided by the Family Readiness Program. The episode includes a discussion with Col. Ryan Hurt, commander of the 143rd Airlift Wing from the Rhode Island Air National Guard, as both wings continue building their Deployable Combat Wing partnership ahead of the 2027 deployment cycle. Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen, command chief for the 169th FW also speaks with Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Kollette, command chief assigned to the 143rd AW, about leadership, taking care of Airmen, and preparing both wings for integrated operations. The episode closes with an update on the Winterfest lineup, organized by the 3rd Go, and several announcements for the December drill weekend.

Fox Chatter Episode 25 highlights the return of the 169th Fighter Wing’s monthly commander update as U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bowes reflects on the challenges of the recent government shutdown, the resilience of the Swamp Fox team, and the support provided by our Family Readiness Program. This episode features a key discussion with Col. Ryan Hurt, commander of the 143rd Airlift Wing from the Rhode Island Air National Guard, as both wings continue building their Deployable Combat Wing partnership ahead of the 2027 deployment cycle. Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen from the 169th Fighter Wing also sits down with Command Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Kollette from the 143rd Airlift Wing to talk leadership, people, and preparing Airmen across both wings for integrated operations. The episode closes with an update from the 3rd Go on this year’s Winterfest lineup and several announcements for the December drill weekend.

In this episode, Col. Shaun Bowes, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, kicks things off with updates on the new PT test, social media, and upcoming wing events. He also sits down with Col. Jim Roth, the new Mission Support Group commander, and Lt. Col. Brian Doyle, the new deputy commander of sustainment, to introduce them and hear their leadership priorities. Lt. Col. Rachel Phillips, commander of the 169th Force Support Squadron, joins to explain recent lodging policy changes. Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen wraps up the show in conversation with Airman 1st Class Miles Hallick and Airman 1st Class Mark Fevrin from student flight, sharing a fresh look at military life and what makes McEntire Joint National Guard Base unique.

This month’s episode covers the tough realities of fiscal year closeout, what to expect during our upcoming four-day super drill, and important updates that affect every Airman. Master Sgt. Josh Pellitier joins us with safety reminders, Dr. Rico Brown, the director of psychological health, shares how laughter supports resilience, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen stops by with his monthly update. We’ll also highlight leadership changes across the wing and encourage you to make your voice heard in the annual climate survey.

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bowes, 169th Fighter Wing commander, shares key takeaways from the Relampago de los Andes exercise in Colombia and outlines his priorities for the upcoming drill weekend. Chief Master Sgt. Bowen, the wing command chief, shares information about an upcoming SPP event taking place at McEntire and his next All-Call with the 5/6 ranks this weekend. Master Sgt. Shari Watson with the 169th Medical Group, speaks on the medical group's participation in RDLA. Capt. Trey Murphy discusses this month's Ready Airman Training requirements (step-by-step guide attached), and Master Sgt. Jory Middleton shares information for a 3rd Go’s event Saturday.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen, the 169th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant, hosts this episode of the Fox Chatter podcast, continuing the conversation on the new Deployable Combat Wing (DCW) construct. He also speaks with Chief Master Sgt. Erin Cheney, the 169th Maintenance Squadron senior enlisted leader, and Chief Master Sgt. John Quattlebaum, the 169th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, about what its implementation will look like at the wing level. Bowen then sits down with Senior Master Sgt. Mark Fuge, the president of the Top 3 Council, to discuss the Top 3 and what events Airmen can look forward to throughout the year.

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bowes, 169th Fighter Wing commander, hosts this episode of the Swamp Fox podcast, providing an update on the new Deployable Combat Wing (DCW) construct and what its implementation will look like at the wing level. He also speaks with Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen and Tech. Sgt. Eric Brumbalow about the 5/6 Council’s upcoming event featuring a special guest speaker, and sits down with Chief Master Sgt. Kenny Monroe to discuss the College Assistance Program and how Airmen can take advantage of available education benefits.

U.S. Air Force Col. Sean Renbarger, 169th Fighter Wing deputy commander, updates Swamp Fox Airmen and speaks with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robin Stilwell, adjutant general of South Carolina, about his priorities for the South Carolina National Guard. Additionally, 2nd Lt. Joshua Spense, the family day project officer, gives an update on what to expect during family day, and Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen, the wing command chief, shares details about his planned all-call for Airmen.

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bowes, 169th Fighter Wing commander, provides updates for Swamp Fox Airmen and speaks with Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen, the wing command chief, about the standards and readiness review requirement. He also speaks with STARBASE Swamp Fox about their STEM program for 5th grade students, and the upcoming summer camp schedule. We also hear from Dr. Nicholas Thomas, the 169th FSS Family Readiness Programs manager, about all the benefits his program can provide to Swamp Fox Airmen, past and present!

In this episode, U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bowes, wing commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, sits down with key leaders to discuss critical updates and upcoming events for our unit. Col. Sean Renbarger, deputy commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, joins the conversation to break down the details of our upcoming exercise and what Airmen should expect. Senior Master Sgt. Tim Urch, safety superintendent, provides an important safety briefing regarding concerns at the front gate. Airman 1st Class Celina Armstrong, an intelligence analyst, delivers the latest intel update, keeping us informed on emerging threats and operational awareness. Lastly, Master Sgt. Justin Cayton, recruiting flight chief, shares exciting details about the upcoming Top Gun Drill Meet at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, highlighting the competition and our team’s preparation. Stay tuned for these important updates and more!

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bowes, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, joins us to discuss the upcoming 3rd Go event, the planned exercise in March, and to introduce Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen.

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Bowes, the commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, discusses the DEOCS survey results and speaks with retired Command Chief Master Sgt. Dean Widener, who is visiting the base this upcoming drill to discuss benefits for Airmen. Bowes also highlights award winners across the organization.