Planning a career can be complicated and it's helpful to have  someone who has experience to show you the way. 

"Unit career advisors (UCA) embody what we want in guard members," said Senior Airman Erin Burden, from the retention office. 

UCAs are 190th members who work closely with the Retention Office. They have current information and guidance available to them from the Retention Office on many factors that can directly effect and enhance your career within the unit. 

Advisors have to be knowledgeable about promotion requirements and opportunities
as well as benefits for things such as education or career bonuses. Advisors provide counseling briefings to teach members about their options. 

As it turns out, the 190th has one of the best UCAs in the ANG. Master Sgt. Richard Smith was selected as the 190th, the state of Kansas and the Region Two ANG Unit Career Advisor of the Year. 

From an original pool of 1500 advisors, Smith will now compete against four other regional winners at the national level. Those results will be announced later this month. 

"I'm humbled. I'm just doing my job, but the recognition is nice," said Smith. "Every UCA on the base does an outstanding job. I just happened to be the one selected by my peers to represent the 190th at the state level." 

The 190th also has one of the top Retention Office Manager's in the ANG. Master Sgt. Scott Moser has been named the top retention manager for the state of Kansas and Region Two as well, and will also be competing against four other regional winners during the national competition.