105th Air National Guard Members Honor Local Children

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Young Champions Alumni, Joshua Decker enjoys the festivities with his sponsor Master Sgt. Renee Milano during the group's 2009 visit.

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH (09/05/2014)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing will host and honor area children this weekend to designate them "Young Champions" for the wing.

The Young Champion Program was created in 1998 to recognize the courage of children who have battled or are currently battling life-threatening or debilitating injuries or illnesses

WHO: Eight special children who have battled or are currently battling debilitating injuries or illnesses. Participants reside in Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess counties.

WHAT: Children from the local community who have battled, or are currently battling, debilitating injuries or illnesses, will be recognized during the 105th Airlift Wing's 16th Annual 'Young Champions Ceremony'

WHEN: 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014

WHERE: Auditorium, Building 202, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh

Coverage Opportunities:

Opportunities to interview 105th Airlift Wing leadership, Sponsor Airmen about their support of the Young Champions ceremony. Imagery of Young Champions receiving awards and certificates, 105th Airlift Wing members.

Members of the Media interested in covering the event should contact Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Halloran via e-mail: 105aw.publicaffairs@ang.af.mil no later than 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 6th for access to this secure military facility.

Background

Young Champions is a base community service program started in 1998 through the efforts of retired Lt. Col. and nurse practitioner Harriet Mark and Senior Master Sgt. Susan Sommerlad with other unit volunteers.

Young Champions are honored for their courage as they have battled or are currently battling lifethreatening or debilitating injuries or illness.

Each receive a medal and certificate honoring their achievements.