An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

This page features links to the biographical information on leadership of the 111th Attack Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard and Air National Guard chain of command. The information contained in these biographies provides a brief glimpse at the high level of dedication, sacrifice and excellence present within those who volunteer to protect and defend the nation and Commonwealth.

Colonel Kristian Post

Col Kristian Post is Director of Operations, Headquarters Pennsylvania Air National Guard. He serves as the principal advisor to the Deputy Adjutant General-Air regarding aviation and operational programs across three Wings located in the Commonwealth. Col Post began his military career in January 1992 by enlisting in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and subsequently graduating from Aviation Maintenance technical training in August 1992. He served until August 1998 as a C-130 Crew Chief with the 193d Special Operations Wing performing various aviation maintenance functions. In Sept 1998 Col Post received his commission as a second lieutenant from the Academy of Military Science. In January 2000 he graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training returning to the 193d to serve as an EC-130E pilot.

Colonel Alex C.
Van Zant

Colonel Alex C. Van Zant is the Deputy Wing Commander, 111th Attack Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, located at Biddle Air National Guard Base, Horsham, Pennsylvania. As Deputy Wing Commander, Col Van Zant supports the Wing Commander in leading more than 900 Airmen across multiple mission sets, including Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), Defensive Cyber Operations, medical readiness, and civil engineering support through RED HORSE operations. He assists in executing the Wing’s global mission while ensuring installation resilience and strategic readiness for both state and federal taskings. Continued...
 

Chief Master Sergeant Edward Zuech

Chief Master Sergeant Edward Zuech serves as the Wing Command Chief, 111th Attack Wing, Biddle Air National Guard Base, Horsham, Pennsylvania. He is the Senior Enlisted Leader and principal advisor to the Wing Commander on matters impacting the readiness, training, professional development, resiliency, and effective utilization of approximately 950 Airmen assigned to the wing. The 111th Attack Wing executes MQ‑9 remotely piloted aircraft operations and cyber defense missions in support of federal and state requirements, and the Wing is comprised of the Operations Group, Mission Support Group, and Medical Group. Chief Zuech advocates for the health, welfare, morale, and mission effectiveness of the enlisted force across all assigned unit. Chief Master Sgt. Zuech enlisted in the Air Force in October 1986 and completed Basic Military Training at the 3708 Basic Military Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He earned his three-skill level as Aerospace Control and Warning Systems Operator while assigned at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. He was assigned to the 13th Missile Warning Squadron in Clear Air Force Station, Alaska with a follow up assignment to the 325th Weapons Controller Training Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla.  Chief Master Sgt. Zuech separated from active duty in pursuit of a college education and enrolled at Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies and Industrial Relations in May 1996.  Six months after separating from the United States Air Force, he enlisted in the 112th Air Control Squadron where he was integral to the Weapons System transition from the “manual” Tactical Radar System (AN/TPS-43) to a fully automated and data link capable Tactical Radar System (AN/TPS-75). He later played a key role in the remission from a Ground Theater Air Control System to the 112th Air Operations Squadron, responsible to plan and execute air operations at a Combined Air Operations Center under the direction of the Joint Forces Air Component Commander. While at the 112th Air Operations Squadron, he served in multiple Command-and-Control Battle Management Operator roles and as the Combat Airspace Superintendent until 2016 when he was selected as the first Senior Enlisted Leader for the 193rd Combat Operations Squadron upon the evolution to the 193rd Air Operation Group, State College, Pa.  Prior to his current position, he was Senior Enlisted Leader, 193rd Special Operations Mission Support Group responsible for diversified support for the 193rd Special Operations Wing and leadership for more than 450 Airmen and the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 193 Special Operations Maintenance Group, responsible for aircraft generation and maintenance of the EC-130J a uniquely modified Military Information Support Operations aircraft and he provided leadership for more than 345 Airmen during the aircraft conversion to the MC-130J, a multi-mission combat aircraft. Chief Master Sergeant Zuech has deployed in support of numerous contingencies and operations to include Operations DENY FLIGHT, PROVIDE PROMISE, NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE. He is a drill status guardsman and employed full time by the Pennsylvania State University since 2008.  He is the first full-time, dual appointed Director of Information Technology, serving the unique needs of teaching, research and service for College of Ag Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts.