Adding Some Flare

Staff Sgts. Stan Wagner, left, and Mike Ashbrook load flares into an A-10C Thunderbolt II Feb. 2, 2010 at Kandahar Airfield. Sergeants Wagner and Ashbrook are weapons loaders deployed from the Maryland Air National Guard in Baltimore, Md. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. David Speicher/Released)

Flightline Briefing

Maj. Charles Masson, commander of the Maryland National Guard's 104th Observation Squadron, briefs crews prior to boarding thier O-47 aircraft at Logan Field in Baltimore, Md., on March 1, 1940. Less than a year later, the 104th was mobilized in anticipation of World War II. (Released)

Maryland guardsman is NCOA distinguished graduate

McGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. -- Tech. Sgt. Dallas E. Perry, right, an aircraft fuel systems craftsman with the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, receives the distinguished graduate award for Satellite NCO Academy Class 10-2 at The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center here from retired Chief Master Sgt. Lynn E. Alexander, the second senior enlisted advisor of the Air National Guard, Dec. 15, 2009. The distinguished graduate award is presented to students in the top ten percent of the class. It is based on objective and performance evaluations, demonstrated leadership, and performance as a team player. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kurt Skoglund/Released)

Safety is a 24-hour operation

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Senior Master Sgt. Bruce Strong, Jr., inspects an eyewash station to ensure all standards are being met Dec. 5, 2009. It is important to make sure all eyewash stations are serviceable in case an emergency arises. Sergeant Strong is a Ground Safety Manager for the Air National Guard in Maryland. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Timothy Taylor)

Essex Day 2009

Col. Paul C. Maas receives an Essex Day medal from Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, representing the citizens of Maryland's 2nd District in the United States House of Representatives. The Essex Day organization wanted to honor military members and the organizations they represent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ed Bard, 175th Wing Public Affairs, Warfield Air National Guard Base, Maryland, United States)

Chief Master Sgt. Harold Stewart

Chief Master Sgt. Harold E.Stewart is the 175th Wing command chief master sergeant. Chief Stewart advises the wing commander on issues affecting the health, morale, welfare and effective utilization of the enlisted members assigned to the Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ed Bard/Released)