KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- More than 130 Air National Guard Vehicle Management professionals from across the nation gathered at Kingsley Field May 11-14 for the 2026 Vehicle Management Advisory Group Spring Conference, an annual event focused on readiness, training, modernization and collaboration across the enterprise.
The Vehicle Management Advisory Group, or VMAG, hosts two meetings each year. The spring conference serves as an open forum for Vehicle Fleet Managers, Vehicle Maintenance Superintendents and emerging leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities affecting readiness, fleet posture, funding, training and future operations.
This year’s conference drew 135 attendees representing units throughout the Air National Guard.
“The networking opportunities are endless as people come together face-to-face with similar challenges and unique ways of finding solutions,” said Senior Master Sgt. James Childs, 173rd Logistics Readiness Squadron. “Many of the issues we face are not unique across the 90 wings, and bringing people together allows us to share experiences and identify effective ways forward.”
The conference provided attendees with direct access to senior leaders and subject matter experts while creating an environment where Airmen at every level could contribute to discussions shaping the future of the career field.
One of the highlights of the event was the participation of the Headquarters Air Force 2T3 Career Field Manager, Chief Master Sgt. Oscar Figueroa, who provided updates on upcoming training initiatives and process changes impacting Vehicle Management professionals across the force.
His presence also offered Air National Guard members an opportunity to discuss challenges unique to the Guard environment and provide feedback from a tactical-level perspective.
“The conference gets a lot of information out to the masses and provides for interactive conversation from the field as topics are being worked through,” said Childs. “By affording input from the tactical level in an open format, the community can feel heard and be involved in the decision-making process.”
Discussions throughout the week focused on modernization efforts, training opportunities and innovative solutions designed to strengthen readiness despite increasing resource constraints.
Examples included partnerships with community colleges to expand training opportunities and innovation initiatives such as the 173rd Security Forces Patrol Truck Electric Vehicle conversion pilot program. Attendees also discussed future deployment requirements, and the growing role Vehicle Management professionals play in supporting operational missions worldwide.
For the first time, the Air National Guard Vehicle Management community will fill a chief master sergeant deployment requirement during an upcoming deployment rotation, reflecting the increasing demand for experienced leaders across the enterprise.
Although Vehicle Management often operates behind the scenes, nearly every mission relies on the vehicles, forklifts and support equipment maintained by the career field.
“Vehicle Management doesn’t always get associated with launching aircraft, but nearly every shop relies on some type of vehicle to accomplish the mission,” said Childs. “These discussions help build a better understanding of policy, identify solutions to long-standing issues and ensure the entire enterprise moves forward together.”
The conference also offered valuable development opportunities for younger Airmen and newly assigned technicians. First-time attendees gained exposure to enterprise-level topics such as vehicle procurement, replacement planning, training requirements and sustainment strategies—areas often unseen at the unit level.
Networking and relationship building were equally important benefits, allowing Airmen to establish connections that can help them navigate future challenges and advocate for improvements across the career field.
During the conference, Airmen were recognized for their contributions to the Vehicle Management community, including Senior Airman Mike Tanner and Senior Airman Danielle Truett, highlighting the importance of developing the next generation of leaders.
Kingsley Field’s selection as host site provided an opportunity to showcase the 173rd Fighter Wing’s contributions to the Air National Guard and the strong partnerships it maintains within the local community.
Following fiscal restrictions that forced the cancellation of a previously planned conference location in 2025, Region 10 leadership selected Kingsley Field to host the event once travel restrictions were lifted.
“With zero hesitation, I offered Kingsley Field,” said Childs. “I wanted to showcase not only how we contribute to the fight, but also highlight the community support and relationships that we thrive upon here.”
Despite initial concerns from some attendees about traveling to southern Oregon, feedback following the conference was overwhelmingly positive.
“The support from leadership to host here was solid, and once the Vehicle Management community showed up, they quickly realized there was something worth seeing,” said Childs. “Many attendees said it raised the bar to a new level.”
As the career field continues to evolve, leaders remain focused on preparing the next generation of Airmen through advanced training and professional credentialing opportunities.
One initiative generating excitement throughout the community is the potential for new graduates of Air Force technical training to earn Automotive Service Excellence apprentice credentials, providing nationally recognized qualifications that align military training with industry standards.
“The skills of Vehicle Management are needed in every corner of the country,” said Childs. “The men and women of the Air National Guard answer the call, make themselves better as professionals and consistently stand out when serving alongside their active-duty counterparts.”
The conference concluded with renewed collaboration, strengthened professional networks and a shared commitment to ensuring the Air National Guard Vehicle Management community remains ready to support current and future missions.