Blacksnake Bytes

Welcome to Blacksnake Bytes! In the military, commanders are tasked with leading people and organizations, which is not as easy as it sounds! In part two, you’ll learn about these commanders’ management styles, changes coming to the 122nd Fighter Wing, managing priorities with limited resources and time, and much more! Don’t miss part one to get a behind the scenes look of what it’s like to be a c...

Welcome to Blacksnake Bytes! In the military, commanders are tasked with leading people and organizations, which is not as easy as it sounds! In part one, you’ll get a behind the scenes look of what it’s like to be a commander, how they find mentors and support in learning to do the job, and their favorite self-development books, podcasts, and activities! Don’t miss part two for a closer look at t...

Welcome to another episode of Blacksnake Bytes! Serving in the U.S. military can be a very rewarding experience, but there are many challenges and stressors that come along with taking the Oath to protect your country—enduring physical, mental, and emotional hardship, being separated from loved ones for long periods of time, and sacrificing personal wants and needs for the good of the team. Thankf...

Welcome to another episode of Blacksnake Bytes! In this episode we interview a panel of three first sergeants that answer questions from Airmen around the 122nd Fighter Wing. A special duty position that monitors each Airman's health and morale. As members of the triad these first sergeants go into detail about the mission, vision, and their job taking care of each Airmen. The unique perspective g...

In this episode of Blacksnake Bytes, we interview a panel of Airmen who train in small, cohesive teams to support aircraft operations from austere locations with minimal reliance on large, traditional military bases. As Multi Capable Airmen (MCA), each individual is a technical expert in a specific area of aircraft maintenance, and they share these skills within the team so that every member is qu...

Welcome to another episode of Blacksnake Bytes! In this episode we interview a panel of three chief master sergeant Airmen assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Group with questions from junior enlisted Airmen. As members of the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, Chiefs are tasked with the professional development of themselves and those around them, while leading organizations and p...

(This episode was recorded on July 11, 2023, prior to the military coup in Niger.) Welcome to another episode of Blacksnake Bytes! In this edition, we shine a spotlight on two medical professionals, 1st Lt. Barton and Staff Sgt. Sellers, both hailing from the 122d Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Along with other Indiana Army and Air National Guardsmen, they embarked on several missions to imp...

Don't miss our debut Blacksnake Spotlight interview! Meet Staff Sgt. Graves from the 122nd Fighter Wing, who went above and beyond her duties in Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE). As an AFE sergeant, she typically ensures the safety equipment for fighter pilots is in top-notch condition. But her skills and passion didn't stop there. Recognizing the critical need for proper-fitting flight suits for pr...

Senior Master Sgt. Leslie Keiser interviews the 122nd Fighter Wing's own Command Chief Master Sgt., Kyle Hoopingarner. This episode digs deep into Chief Hoopingarner's leadership philosophy, his journey to becoming Command Chief, and his strategy to stay connected with Airmen despite a busy schedule. He talks about the true purpose of promotion boards, why recognizing Airmen with awards and decora...

In the second episode of Blacksnake Bytes, Tech. Sgt. Wood joins 2nd Lt. Rogers to talk about his tenure as President of the Junior Enlisted Council, career progression tools he wishes he'd learned about earlier in his career, and how the JEC can improve the lives of 122nd Fighter Wing Airmen. Time Hacks: 00:45 Intro 02:42 What is the JEC's mission and who does it represent? 05:10 How does the JEC...

In the introductory episode of Blacksnake Bytes, 2nd Lt. Elisabeth Rogers and Senior Master Sgt. Leslie Keiser discuss how the podcast got started and the history of the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 122nd Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Joshua Waggoner, gives a vision of the wing’s future.