BRAC transition takesoff

  • Published
  • By SrA Christopher Latocki
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  It is common knowledge and a well known fact the 927th Air Refueling Wing has been slated by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission to stand down as a unit-equipped wing and become an associate unit to serve alongside 6th Air Mobility Wing, located at MacDill Air Force Base, located in Tampa, Florida. 

A BRAC transition team was established in January for the sole purpose of handling all issues resulting from the closure decision approved by congress which may affect 927th ARW personnel. 

The team is headed by Col. James Fowler, wing vice commander, functioning as team chief, Lt. Col. Tammy McKone, assistant team chief and the administrative support staff consisting of SrA Christopher Latocki and A1C Yashira Franqui. 

The team's primary mission is providing support and assistance to those personnel being displaced by the BRAC transition and have made the gut-wrenching decision to remain in the Great Lakes state rather than relocate to Florida and continue serving in the 927th Air Refueling Wing. 

"I'm very excited to be part of the BRAC team and more importantly looking forward to assisting our wing personnel." said Lt. Col. McKone. "We are here to assist everyone, those who want to stay in the area and anyone who wants to relocate, whether it's MacDill or any other location." 

One-on-one job counseling and assistance, job placement programs offered by the Michigan Department of Labor, informational briefings designed to offer both wing-wide and unit specific information regarding the BRAC process, a monthly newsletter to inform the wing population of changes and employment information are services being offered by the transition team. 

A job fair for the purpose of introducing wing personnel to prospective employers from around the state will be held May 4 and 5 in building 24, located across the street from the base chapel. 

Individuals will have the opportunity to submit a personal resume and ask questions of these employers. This will be an opportunity for Airmen to demonstrate the vast professionalism and diversity wing personnel are capable of offering as potential employees. 

A BRAC web page has been established that is accessible on the 927th ARW home page which details current BRAC information, transition timelines, and employment information. Opportunities with other branches of the armed forces and federal government, plus civilian opportunities will also be posted as they become available. 

To directly access the website from your computer, navigate to https://selfridge.reserves.afrc.ds.af.mil/Hot BRAC.htm