chairman: Greg A. Haase, Brig. Gen. usaf (Ret.)

Brigadier General (Ret) Greg A. Haase continues to serve the community chairing the centennial committee for the Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation and several other causes. Prior to his retirement he served as the Special Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard, and was assigned to the Headquarters, Air Force, Total Force-Continuum (TF-C), the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. On behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Total Force-Continuum works to identify the appropriate balance of active and reserve components assigned to Air Force missions; and to reduce legal, organizational, policy, and cultural barriers to become a more fully integrated Air Force. General Haase’s prior assignment was the Vice Director Domestic Operations and Force Development for the National Guard Bureau. The directorate coordinates and facilitates missions and operations for homeland defense, homeland security, defense support to civil authorities and mission assuredness of critical infrastructure. Key elements of the directorate include current operations, counterdrug, force protection, future operations, cyberspace, joint exercises and combating weapons of mass destruction. General Haase graduated from North Dakota State University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He then enlisted in the ND Air National Guard and attended Avionics Aerospace training at Lowry Air Force Base. After completing the course as an honor graduate in 1984, he trained as a guardsman on the F-4 Phantom while pursuing a master’s degree in civil engineering. General Haase was selected for undergraduate pilot training with the 133rd Airlift Wing in 1985. He completed the course as an “Academic Ace” in 1987. In 1998 he was selected as the 109th Airlift Squadron commander, his first of three command assignments to include the Maintenance Group and the Airlift Wing. He then became the Director of the Joint Interagency Counter Trafficking Center for European Command focusing on Counter Narcotics, Counter Threat Finance and Countering Transnational Threats to build partnership capacity to defend the homeland forward. Click here for a full Bio.

Vice Chairman: Karen Wolf, Col, (RET.)

Colonel Karen Wolf retired from the MNANG in 2005, having served 23 1/2 years.  She has an extensive background in aerospace medicine, with 17 years of flight nurse experience, including flight instructor and flight examiner.  She was a Distinguished Graduate from Flight School and was chosen as ANG Outstanding Flight Nurse of the Year for 1997.  She served as Commander of the 109th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron after which she went to Joint Headquarters Minnesota National Guard as the State Chief Nurse.

Ms. Wolf received her BS in Nursing from the University of Minnesota and her MS in Personnel Management from Troy State University, Alabama, while attending Air Command and Staff College in residence. She retired from her civilian job as a Certified Nurse Practitioner after 18 years, working for a non-profit agency providing health care to adolescents through school-based clinics in St. Paul high schools.

Her community participation includes volunteering with Planned Parenthood and Minnesota Responds.  She also served as Director of the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp for 1 year as well as group counselor/team leader for another 7 years.  She joined the Board of Directors, MN Air National Guard Historical Foundation in 2012 and now serves as Vice Chairman.

Treasurer: Terry Morris

Terry Morris is a retired 3M Research and Development Manager. During his 36+ year career at 3M, Terry held scientist, and management positions in six different corporate and divisional laboratories. He is named as co-inventor on ten U.S. Patents, has received three division Circle of Technical Excellence awards, was recognized as a key contributor on two Golden Step product sales awards, and is a Certified Six Sigma Coach. As a Six Sigma Coach/Manager, he supported the corporate deployment of Design for Six Sigma in 3M’s APAC region along with its requisite training of green, black, and master black belts.

Terry served with the 934th Tactical Airlift Group (AFRES), from June 1970 to January 1979 primarily as a C-103A Hercules loadmaster, logging more than 1000 hours of flight time.

Terry is a University of Minnesota Institute of Technology graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics.

Since retirement, Terry has been an active volunteer at the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum as a tour guide in addition to serving as the Board Secretary. He also is a 3M visiting scientist, judging science fairs at several St. Paul schools.

Executive Director of Operations: Mike Drews

He graduated from West High School in 1967 and enrolled at Mankato State College (now Mankato University) where he majored in history.  After four semesters, he decided to leave college and pursue another career field, which put him back in the military draft pool. Being 21 when he left college, Mike was put at the top of the draft list.  He received his physical notice in February 1969 and was drafted in April of that year.  Mike decided to enlist in the Air Force for four years instead of being drafted.  He was at boot camp in Texas, then sent to Chanute AFB Illinois for jet engine school.  After that schooling, he was sent to Mountain Home AFB Idaho for further training, including on-the-job training.  

When Mike finished his training, he was upgraded to full mechanic.  He then received orders to go to Da Nang, Vietnam.  After his tour there ended, he was sent to Beale AFB California, and six months later he was in Utapao, Thailand on TDY (Temporary Duty) for six months when North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam.  After six months, Mike went back to Beale AFB and took his first leave in two years.

The second day of his leave, Mike received a call from Beale letting him know that he was being sent back to Thailand for another six-month tour.  When he finished that tour, Mike returned to Beale and was discharged four months later.  

During his four years of service, Mike worked on F-4s, AC-119 Gunships, C-123 Cargo and Agent Orange spray birds, B52s and KC 135s.  During his tours of duty, Mike decided on a career in aviation.  After being discharged, he returned to Minnesota to continue his education in aviation.  Mike enrolled in a two-year course covering hydraulics and pneumatics. After graduating, he enrolled in a two-year FAA Air Frame and Power Plant program.  After completing the program, Mike was hired at Burlington Northern Airmotive where he maintained many of Minnesota’s private and corporate jet aircraft.  

After working at BNA for 10 years, Mike was hired at Northwest Airlines and worked there for 19 years until he was laid off in 2005 during the mechanics’ strike.  Mike then went to Worthington Jet Service until they discontinued their jet service division. He went back to corporate aviation at Jet Choice in St. Paul until he retired in 2010.  Mike decided to go back to school for a nine-month course in wood finishing.  At that time, he also became a volunteer at the Air National Guard Museum where he was able to use his many skills. In addition to aircraft maintenance and serving on the board, Mike is the executive operations director for the museum. 

Secretary: Josh Shaffer

Josh boasts three decades of operations experience and a rich history of nonprofit board service. He began his journey in the aviation industry in the mid-1990s, with subsequent roles in aviation, trucking, and rail companies. He's also held executive board positions at "The Children's University" and "Riverside Discovery Center." Josh holds a Business Management degree from Bellevue University and is a certified University of Kentucky Toyota Way instructor. He's received multiple performance and safety awards, including the Patriotic Employer award from ESGR.

In 2021, after over 23 years in the rail industry, he founded Iron Compass LLC, where he developed a patented device to improve chemical broadcasts from agricultural drones in industrial settings, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Beyond his career, Josh treasures time with his wife and four children, sharing their love for history and travel.

Assistant Executive Director of Operations: Anja Drescher

Anja has over 25 years of client service and advisory experience, including 17 years of commercial real estate, specializing 12 years in Facility Management and eight years in data analytics, business intelligence, data and concept visualization, data governance, and consulting.

In her 17-year history with JLL, she has held senior positions in Facility Management, Business Intelligence, Data Governance, Change Management, and Instructional Design on a client and corporate level and was presented with eight awards in innovations, team support, and client service.

She is currently Director, Training and Documentation at Jones Lang LaSalle Technology (JLLT), and is responsible for instructional design, training development, change management, and knowledge management on a global team.

Her uninterrupted volunteer work since 1995 includes the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRC), Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release, Inc. (WRR), The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS), Animal Humane Society (AHS), Minnesota Zoo, Meals on Wheels, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, Residence for Effective Shelter Transition (R.E.S.T.), and the Chicago- Overnight Women Shelter Supervisor. She is been active since 2014 with the Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation, board member since 2015, and Assistant Operations Director since 2017.

Her affiliations include the Building Owners and Managers Institute - Facilities Management Administrator (FMA) (2008), Six Sigma Green Belt certification (2009), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) - Green Associates accreditation (2013), Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment - Board Member (2015-2018), OSCRE Data Academy - Data Governance Certification (2018), OSCRE Data Academy - Building Digital Competency in Real Estate (2019).

Board member: Rick Dow

Rick brings experience in brand and business growth strategies in both domestic and multinational markets. Rick is currently an investor and advisory board member for a number of new ventures based in the Twin Cities. He was previously a partner at The DOJO Group, a Minneapolis based brand-building agency. Prior assignments were President of BringMeTheNews, Chief Marketing Officer, Midas International, Senior Vice President Marketing, Burger King, Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Thomson Reuters Westlaw and Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Programs and Communications at Northwest Airlines. In addition to serving on the MNANG board, Rick currently serves on the board of Graywolf Press, was previously Chairperson of the American Marketing Association, board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chicago Film Festival and Wilderness Inquiry

Board member: Lowell Ueland, LtCol. (ret.)

Lowell Ueland is a retired high school history and political science teacher with 40 years as a classroom teacher. He, also, served 34 years in the Minnesota Air National before retiring as a LtCol. He served many capacities in the MNANG and as a squadron commander of the 133d CSS. Lowell successfully completed Command Staff College and the Air War Collage Seminar Programs. He was the first Curator of the Minnesota Air Guard Museum. He currently serves on the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum Board and is a Charter Member of Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation.

Lowell received his BS and MS in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a MS in economics from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Lowell served 3 terms on the Glencoe, MN City Council, as well as other Boards and Commissions. His passion is history, especially the history of the MNANG and the Dakota War of 1862. Until recent years he traveled all over the United States and Europe visiting battlefields, museums and almost anything of interest. He and his wife have visited all the major Civil War Battlefields in the United States and most of the major WW2 Battlefields in Europe and Italy.

Lowell’s mission is to preserve the history of the Minnesota Air National Guard through writing histories and preserving the memorabilia of the history of the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Board member: Julia “Julie” Eszlinger Jensen, Col, Ret.

General John R. Dolny appointed me First Lieutenant to the Minnesota Air National Guard on 18 November 1965. I was assigned to a flight nurse position in the 109th Aeromedical Evacuation flight.  A traditional guardsman, I was full-time employed by the State of Minnesota.  Following completion of the initial nurse flight nurse course at Brooks AFB, TX, I volunteered for participation in live aeromedical evacuation missions.  Beginning with domestic airevac, I participated in aeromedical evacuation in Europe and two tours in the Pacific aeromedical evacuation system during the Viet Nam War.  In 1970 the133rd was assigned to Tactical Airlift Command, the 109th AMEF mission transitioned from Military Airlift Command to Tactical Aeromedical Evacuation. With my interest in the mission and with unit vacancies I accepted additional responsibilities, Flying Training Officer, Instructor & Examiner Flight Nurse, Assistant Chief Nurse and in 1969 Chief Nurse. Commander in 1980.

On the National level in 1974 I was the first ANG nurse to be appointed to the ANG Medical Advisory Committee.  With the support Colonel James Weaver Surgeon General of the ANG, General Dolny, nurses from the 109th and nurses from other states I was able to initiate the formation of the Fraternity of ANG Nurses now ANG Nurses Association and served as its President. The 109th was the first ANG unit in several areas, a few are; live patient care through use of civilian hospitals. EMT Qualification, Field Training Exercises etc.  We became a model and looked-to leader from Higher Headquarters. 

I was most privileged to be a member of the greatest and outstanding crew of people. At the national level the 109th AMEF was honored to be awarded the George Shaffer and Theodore C. Marrs Awards in 1987.  It was most deserved, long overdue and the first award for the 109th AMEF. 

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to fly training and live missions in the C-97, C-118, C-121, C-131, and C-141 & C-130.  During my career I attended many courses, most significant was Air War College, Joint Military Operations & Reserve Components National Security course.

In 1991, I transferred to the Air Force Reserve to be part of the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program aka IMA. During this time I was a Liaison Officer for the USAF Academy.  My assignments included Assistant to the Chief Nurse, Scott AFB, IL and 89th Medical Group Andrews AFB, MD.  I was promoted to Colonel while at Scott AFB, IL.

Thirty years after telling General Dolny in 1965, He wouldn’t have to worry, I am only staying for 2 years, His reply was “Well, that’s not what I was hoping you would say.”  I retired in March 1997 at Andrews AFB, MD and May1997 Fort Snelling Officers Open Mess. Decorations include:  Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with one Silver Leaf Cluster and one Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Training Ribbon.    

Board Member: Deon Ford, Col, (Ret)

Colonel Ford retired from the MNANG in 2011.  She spent a total of 38 years serving the United States Air Force in a number of capacities.  She enlisted in the USAF in 1981 as a Communications, Navigation and Penetration Aids Specialist.  After only 3 years of active service maintaining the F-111D Aardvark, she was selected to serve as a technical school instructor at Lowry AFB, teaching the Basic Electronics course.

In 1986, then SSgt Ford left the Air Force to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in music.  Just prior to exiting the active duty Air Force she enlisted in the 934th Airlift Wing.  After nine months she transitioned from the Reserves the Air National Guard and joined the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, MN.  She served there in Surface Transportation from 1987 to 1991, at which time she was selected as the 133rd Airlift Wing’s Transportation Officer and transferred to the 133rd.

Colonel Ford was commissioned in 1991 and was hired as a full-time technician at the 133AW as the Wing Budget Analyst in March of 1992.  She completed a Master of Business Administration and throughout the next 20 years she served in a variety of full-time positions to include Supply Officer, Logistics Division Chief, Logistics Squadron Commander, Labor Relations Specialist, Wing Chief of Staff and Mission Support Group Commander.  Her career in the MNANG culminated at the Minnesota Joint Forces Headquarters as MNANG Director of Staff.

In spring of 2012 Colonel Ford was hired as the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, responsible for the Air Force Junior ROTC program, MN-941, at Johnson Aerospace and Engineering High School in St Paul, MN.  There she managed a program averaging around 150 cadets per year, teaching a variety of Aerospace Science and Leadership courses, as well as overseeing teams such as Color Guard, Drill Team, Sabre Team, Academic Team, Physical Training Team, Academic Team, Kitty Hawk Air Society and the Multi-Copter Club.  Her cadets served thousands of hours of community service each year and participated in multiple military skills and sports competitions as well as several hands-on field trips to military units in the local area and the United States Air Force Academy.  During her tenure, the Air Force awarded the unit with several awards for service and excellence including Distinguished Unit.

Through the years Colonel Ford has also served in a number of roles in a volunteer capacity.  She spent several years on the Minnesota National Guard Association Board, with her last two years as Chair.  She served in a variety of roles with the American Legion, Arcade-Phalen Post 577, including one year as Post Commander.  She also served one year as District 4 Vice-Commander.  Closer to home, Colonel Ford volunteered with Minnesota Special Olympics serving as Finance Chair and Area Director, with the Boy Scouts for several years, ISD 196 in a variety of capacities and as Elder, Chair of the Worship and Music Committee, and member of the Personnel and Covid-Planning Committees at the Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church.  

Board Member: James Zwiefel

James Zwiefel started his military career as a member of the 133rd Civil Engineering Squadron at the 133rd Air Wing.  He performed numerous projects associated with light rail construction on the east side of the base over a 4 year period as a Federal Technician.  He then relocated to Anchorage Alaska and joined the 176th Air Wing for the design, construction, and relocation of the Air Guard campus from Ted Stevens International airport to Elmendorf AFB.  At the conclusion of the BRAC program in Alaska, James again relocated to Honolulu Hawaii and joined the 154th Fighter Wing for the beddown of F-22 Raptors on Hickam AFB  which was home of Fort Kamehameha airfield constructed in 1913.  James retired from the 154th Fighter Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard in 2017. 

James has leveraged his experience in design & construction in the manufacturing industry by holding leadership roles at Corning Incorporated and managing mega-manufacturing projects in China and across SE Asia and at global engineering firm Burns & McDonnell. 

James is currently Program Management Operations Leader at 3M where he executes high priority capital projects across all business lanes.  James resides in Inver Grove Heights with his wife and  3 children. 

Board Member: mark schutta, Col. (ret)

Prior to his retirement 1 October 2020, Colonel Mark A. Schutta was the USPFO for Minnesota.  In this capacity, he served as the primary full-time representative accountable for all funds and property of the Minnesota National Guard.  He ensured that federal funds are obligated and expended in conformance with applicable statues and regulations.  He also made returns and reports on federal funds and property as directed by CNGB and the appropriate Service Secretary.

Colonel Schutta was born in Minneapolis, MN. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Cardinal Stritch College in 1994 and his master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in 2014. He joined the Minnesota Air National Guard in August 1988 and received his commission in 1996 by attending Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tennessee. He has held the positions of Maintenance Squadron Commander, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander, Maintenance Officer, Comptroller, Budget Officer, and prior to commissioning he spent 11 years in the enlisted corps and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.

133rd Wing Advisor: Col. Michael J. Pionetk

Col Michael Piontek is the Vice Wing Commander, 133rd Airlift Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, St. Paul, Minn. He assumed his current position in January 2022 and is responsible for oversight of the Wing Headquarters units and staff to include the Comptroller Flight, Wing Safety, Chaplain, Public Affairs, and multiple programs including Equal Opportunity, Community Action, and Diversity. The 133rd Airlift Wing is comprised of the 133rd Operations Group, 133rd Maintenance Group, 133rd Medical Group, and the 133rd Mission Support Group. In addition, the 133rd Airlift Wing provides support to the 210th Engineering Installation Squadron and the 208th Weather Flight. The 133rd Airlift Wing is responsible for organizing, equipping and training personnel for worldwide deployments to provide necessary combat-ready forces and C-130 aircraft to combatant commanders, Air Mobility Command, and the state of Minnesota. Click here for a detailed Biography.

Board member: Ray Pittman

Aerial Photographer/Pittman Aerial Photography. Writer and photographer for several aviation Magazines. Air Show organizer and consultant. Member of Air National Guard Museum since 1984.

Minnesota Aviation Hall of fame Photographer of the year in 2011. Helicopter crew chief for 9 years w/Minnesota National Guard.  

Vietnam Veteran.   Purple Heart Recipient.

Board member: Herbert Ketcham

Herb Ketcham was one of three founding partners of the Architectural Alliance in August of 1970. The firm has been recently renamed the Alliiance. In his 25 years with the firm he has been principal in charge of many projects as well as President and CEO.

 Herb served in the Minnesota Air National Guard from 1954-1958 in the 133rd Maintenance Squadron. At his Architectural Firm he was principal in charge for the Dining Hall and Medical Training Facility as well as the Civil Engineering Facility for the Air Guard. He held a private pilot's license for 30 years and worked on various terminal related projects at MSP.

 Herb was on the Board of the Minnesota Society American Institute of Architects from 1986-19 8 serving as President in 1987. Taught at the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture from 1970-1973 and served on the Board from 1993-1995. He has been a registered Architect since 1964, a member of the American Institute of Architects since 1965 and elected into the College of Fellows in 1983.

 With the complexity of modem buildings, the firm was built around the concept of team building. After 45 years it has given us a large resource of consultants with specific expertise in all aspects of planning and building such as museums and airports to name a few.