181st Intelligence Wing hosts roundtable for school district leaders in west-central Indiana

Leadership from the 181st Intelligence Wing hosted a roundtable for school districts in west-central Indiana at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Terre Haute, Indiana, Oct. 7, 2026. The roundtable provided time to explain the educational benefits, career possibilities and an understanding of the Air National Guard and the process of enlistment.

Key leaders such as principals, superintendents and other key members from Vigo County School Corporation, Clay Community Schools, Northeast School Corporation, Southwest School Corporation, North Vermillion Community School Corporation, South Vermillion Community School Corporation and North Central Parke Community School Corporation attended the roundtable. Afterwards, Col. Ryan Harvey, commander of the 181st IW, gave the key leaders a tour around the base to show where varying careers fit into daily operations.

Chief Master Sgt. Damon Girton, command chief of the 181st IW, provided an overview of how the National Guard differs from active duty and the reserves. He also explained the steps between enlisting and returning to the base following basic military training and technical school. Then he talked about the missions the 181st IW support and their supporting units. Girton explained how students can gain experience through the variety of career fields across the units on the installation. While gaining experience, military service benefits and paid training, students are also eligible for free tuition at any state‑funded college.

Master Sgt. Mason Smith, recruiting and retention flight chief for the Indiana National Guard, spoke about the positive influences he has seen in the communities near the 181st IW. He showed two jerseys he designed that are being used in the community to reflect support and recognition of the Air National Guard. The white jersey is worn by high school basketball teams during official seasonal games, providing schools an additional method to show appreciation for military service. Local schools have used the jerseys for more than a year. The black jersey is worn by members from the 181st IW during trading card game events throughout each month, spreading awareness and providing opportunities to speak about the Air National Guard.

After the roundtable discussions, Harvey ended the roundtable by offering a tour of the base for insight of where operations are held and how a wide variety of career fields fit into the mission. The tour prompted additional questions and explained further the possibilities for students in their pursuit of education and ability for eligible individuals 42 years or younger to find a future in the Air National Guard.

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