Charles D. Ethredge This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. www.defenselink.mil

   www.defenselink.mil/news/newsa - [Cached]

   Published on: 7/20/2007   Last Visited: 7/21/2007

   Charles Ethredge, deputy chief of the Air Force Reserve, said his component faces many of the Air Guard's same concerns as it, too, undergoes sweeping changes.
   
   The Air Force's Future Total Force initiative is cutting through traditional roles for the Air Force Reserve as well as the Air Guard to increase overall combat capability. At the same time, Base Realignment and Closure plans and the force reduction efforts are having a big impact on the Air Force Reserve and its members.
   
   Ethredge said the Air Force Reserve is facing up to these challenges as it works take care of its people and identify ways for them to continue serving.
   
   Coast Guard Rear Adm. J.

2. 2. General faces new task willingly - The Clarion-Ledger

   www.clarionledger.com/news/030 - [Cached]

   Published on: 2/14/2003   Last Visited: 2/14/2003

   Undaunted by work, Ethredge earns his stars
   
   ...
   Charles Ethredge, the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing commander since 2000, is undaunted.
   
   Ethredge, who received his stars in a public ceremony Saturday, credits his success in part to his willingness to take on tough tasks - jobs others didn't want.
   
   "Personally, this is not a position I ever thought very much about attaining," he said. "But I have had the willingness to take a risk and do something different. When others said no, I said yes."
   
   His first assignment was as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, a task he said was "a little more dangerous than fixedwing (airplanes), but also a little more exciting."
   
   He commanded units in Georgia, South Carolina, and most recently, the 913th Airlift Wing in Pennsylvania before coming to Biloxi three years ago to help the 403rd make the leap from older C-141 transport planes to the new C-130Js.
   ...
   "We just stand ready, watching the message traffic each day to see what each day is going to bring," Ethredge said. "We set our priorities, but events sometimes force us to change those priorities."
   
   Reserve units such as the 403rd Wing are vital to America's national security, he said. About 23 airmen from the 403rd are deployed in the United States and overseas. That number includes security forces and a group of experts in biological, chemical and nuclear attacks expected to be sent out this week.
   
   "There is nothing the active duty can do today without the reserves, whether it's the C-17s or the flying tankers," he said. "Now we have reservists monitoring satellites in outer space."
   
   ...
   Ethredge understands that the community's strong support for the military is rooted in the military's commitment to the community, she said.
   
   "He's very friendly and down to earth.
   ...
   Ethredge and his wife, Angela, live in Gulfport. They have two children and four grandchildren.
   
   The most unique part of the general's experience in Mississippi has been working with the Hurricane Hunters, a weather reconnaissance unit that flies WC-130 aircraft into the eye of hurricanes and tropical storms to gather weather information.
   
   "Getting to fly into a hurricane gives you an adrenaline rush, but it's also rewarding to know you're gathering data that prevents property damage and loss of life," he said.

3. 3. Picayune Item: News Column

   www.picayuneitem.com/display/i - [Cached]

   Published on: 10/20/2002   Last Visited: 10/20/2002

   Ethredge promoted to brigadier general
   
   BILOXI (AP) -- Col. Charles D. Ethredge, commander of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, has been promoted to brigadier general, pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
   
   Ethredge's command includes the Hurricane Hunters, security, engineering and maintenance units.
   
   "It's considered one of the most versatile wings in the Air Force command," said Lt. Col.
   ...
   Ethredge is a Vietnam-era veteran pilot. He came to South Mississippi in 2000 and formerly commanded the 913th Airlift Wing in Pennsylvania.
   
   Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced Thursday that President Bush had nominated Ethredge for promotion.
   ...
   Ethredge is responsible for the training, equipping and mission readiness of the 403rd Wing and units at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.
   
   In addition to the Hurricane Hunters, which provide vital information on storms, Ethredge commands the Flying Jennies, a C-130 airlift squadron that operates around the world.
   
   The 403rd includes 1,400 reservists, located mainly in South Mississippi and 20 aircraft.
   
   "Throughout the year I have small groups who are deployed around the world," Ethredge said. "The demand for the utilization of reserve forces had increased tremendously. I think it will continue."
   
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