Guard wing's first African-American promoted to full-bird colonel

Published May 11, 2009
By Senior Airman Kayla K. Edwards
189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Lt. Col. Ronald McDaniel made history May 2 when he pinned on colonel's eagles in a promotion ceremony in the 189th Airlift Wing maintenance hangar.

The colonel is the wing's first African-American full-bird colonel, which is an historic moment since the unit traces its roots back to 1925 and was all male and all white until the early 1970s.

Wing members, state military leaders and civic leaders watched as the colonel's family pinned on his eagles. Colonel McDaniel is only the second African-American in the history of the Arkansas Air National Guard to attain the rank of colonel. The first was Col. James Abernathy, who is now retired.

Colonel McDaniel is the commander of the 189th Maintenance Group, where he oversees maintenance of the wing's aircraft fleet. He has been a member of the 189th for more than 20 years but he was not always part of the officer corps.

The colonel began his military career as an active-duty enlisted member stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. He worked in the 314th Medical Squadron as a medical administrative technician for five years before he separated and enlisted in the Arkansas Air National Guard. He worked in the 189th Medical Clinic and says that he had no ambitions of being an officer until he missed a chance for promotion to technical sergeant.

Colonel McDaniel said his mentor, retired Lt. Col. Jim Pollnow, played an integral role in his decision to pursue a commission. The colonel said he wanted to emulate the retired colonel's focus on members.

"He was all about people. He cared about keeping his people happy," said the colonel.
The newly promoted colonel admitted that he didn't have his sights set on the silver eagles, at first.

"I wanted to make it to my 20-year mark for retirement," said the colonel with a chuckle, "but the opportunities began to introduce themselves. In 1994, I got an opportunity to work here full time and I really enjoyed it."

Later, the colonel was named to command the 189th Generation Squadron, while serving as an officer in the 189th Maintenance Squadron. He assumed several other command positions throughout the wing until he was appointed commander of the 189th Maintenance Squadron in April 2004. In June 2008, he assumed command of the 189th Maintenance Group.

Col. Jim Summers, the 189th Airlift Wing commander, said how pleased he is with Colonel McDaniel and the maintenance group in his speech at the promotion ceremony.

"Ron's group performs the maintenance magic that allows us to fly more hours per year on our C-130s than any other Air Force C-130 unit," he said.
Colonel McDaniel said his promotion is the culmination of hard work and taking pride in his job.

Taking pride in the job, no matter what the rank or responsibilities, is the most important part, he said.

The colonel is involved in a host of community service programs, and he said dealing with youth is sometimes a more daunting task than dealing with his troops.

"Kids are honest, and they will let you know how they really feel about you. The big challenge is making sure that they are taken care of. The parents trust you to do the right thing," he said.

He said he strives to set a positive example for the youth he mentors and also for the Airmen he oversees.

"I believe that if you treat your people the right way, they will respect you and do their job well. Taking care of my people is key. I love my job," he said with a smile.

Colonel Summers also noted how committed Colonel McDaniel is to his troops and the impact the members have on the wing's mission. "When I served as the maintenance's squadron's commander, I asked my chiefs to describe Colonel McDaniel's leadership style, and they all said the same thing: 'Colonel Mac takes care of business and he takes care of his people.' That is important because our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success," Colonel Summers said.