142nd Fighter Wing Command Chief’s Change of Authority

  • Published
  • By TSgt Aaron Perkins
  • 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ore. --  In a time-honored tradition, senior enlisted members of a particular military unit conduct leadership changes, marking a continuation of professionalism from one leader to the next. In following with that tradition, the 142nd Fighter Wing recently conducted an Change of Authority ceremony, Sept. 13, 2015, at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon.

To honor Chief Eddings, 142nd Fighter Wing (FW) Vice Wing Commander Col. Donna Prigmore, opened with remarks for those in audience.

"I really didn't know the chief until about four months ago, until I took on this position as Vice Wing Commander. Now I know why our former wing commander spoke so highly of her," she said.

Prigmore described Eddings professional military experience and the various assignments during her years of active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard service. She also touched on her leadership style.

"The chief is a very authentic person, what the chief says, she means, and I loved that about her."

Starting in 1984 as an inventory management specialist at Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado, she soon made her way to Kadina Air Base, Japan, and then a subsequent tour at Lackland AFB, Texas. Eventually she found her home here at the Portland Air National Guard Base, assigned as a Health Systems Specialist with the Air Force Reserve 939th Air Refueling Wing and finally with the 142nd Fighter Wing.

In her final address as the Wing Command Chief, Eddings shared her thoughts about her time as the top enlisted leader.

"As I prepared for this transition, I reflected on what kept me going for three-and-a half years while I was in this position. I found that I did it because I was curious, and that I was inspired," she said.

Eddings said she will miss many aspects of her time in the military.
"The Airmen here are genuinely happy to be doing their jobs that they were trained to do whether at home or abroad, and that was infectious. "

After the ceremonial passing of the unit colors to Chief Roper, describe the challenges that await his new appointment.

"First of all, I want to thank the Airmen of the 142nd Fighter Wing and Combat Operations Group family. As you walk around the base and take note of the fantastic Airmen we have amongst us, because I do," he said.

Prior to his selection as the current 142nd FW Command Chief, Roper was the Combat Operations Group Senior Enlisted Advisor and the 142nd FW Security Forces Squadron Manager. He began his Air Guard career in 1991, experiencing numerous temporary assignments overseas. He was selected as one of the first Oregon Air Guardsman to graduate in residence from the United States Army Sergeants Major's Academy in Ft. Bliss, Texas.

"If you think you can do this alone, you are seriously mistaken," Roper said. "In order to achieve excellence it takes a team and hard work. Nothing will be given to you. Everyday you'll be challenged, and metrics you and your personnel will need to meet."