Blacksnake Bytes

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 decorations is so important, and how he helps Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO's) pursue personal and professional development. Don't miss our rapid-fire questions at the end to find out which Air Force Instructions (AFI) Chief Hoop would change and why!

Time Hacks:

00:45 Intro

01:35 Experience of being a new Command Chief

04:22 History of the Chief (E-9) rank

08:23 Leaving behind a legacy

12:03 "Who inspired you?"

16:27 "How do you stay engaged with Airmen?"

20:30 First speech as Command Chief

24:37 "Why is a promotion board important?"

26:45 "Why are awards and decorations important?"

31:14 Chief Hoopingarner's favorite award

37:57 "What is the Triad?"

39:50 Developing NCO's

43:00 "What is your proudest military moment?"

47:12 Rapid-fire round

50:53 Final remarks

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 support Airmen and get involved with the local community?

07:53 What is the JEC's role as an on-base organization?

10:08 What does the JEC offer Drill Status Guardsman?

14:38 How can the JEC help with career progression?

16:17 What is a flight path and how do you start one?

20:02 What difference has the JEC made in your life?

22:15 How does the JEC President communicate up the chain of command?

24:55 Can the JEC President elevate issues to the command level?

27:07 Restate the Air Force's core values in your own words

29:48 Final remarks

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.