NY Air National Guard Recognizes Hometown Heroes

Media Advisory

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION (03/12/2010)(readMedia)-- More than 550 members of the New York Air National Guard will receive recognition for their service in a combat zone on Sunday, March 14 during the 107th Airlift Wing Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony for all units on the Air Reserve Base.

WHO: More than 550 New York Air National Guard Airmen of the 107th Airlift Wing, along with family, military leaders and elected officials from the region.

WHAT: Presentation of the Air National Guard's Hometown Heroes recognitions for service in support of contingency operations at home and overseas since September 11, 2001.

WHERE: Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, 9910 Blewett Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14304

WHEN: 1 p.m., Sunday March 14, 2010.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

Interviews with Airmen who served in Operation Noble Eagle in the U.S. or in support of operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom overseas. Visuals of presentations of Hometown Heroes recognitions from unit leadership.

BACKGROUND:

The Hometown Heroes program recognizes Airmen who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (operations in Afghanistan) since Sept. 11, 2001.

The Airmen recognized in this ceremony will include those who deployed for more than 30 consecutive days in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle or other contingency operations across the globe from September 11, 2001 through December 31, 2008.

The Airmen will receive a framed letter from the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Craig R. McKinley, containing a Hometown Heroes salute challenge coin. Children of the deployed Airmen will also receive unique Hometown Heroes Salute dog tags.

"Since September 11, 2001, the 107th has been called upon to respond to contingencies around the world and without hesitation, the men and women of the 107th have put their civilian lives on hold, answering the calls of our nation," said Col. Patrick Ginavan, the 107th Airlift Wing Commander. "This is a small token of our appreciation for the sacrifices they and their families have endured," he said.

The Air National Guard initiated the program in August 2008 to celebrate and honor our Airmen, families, communities and those special supporters who have significantly contributed to supporting our Airmen and the Air National Guard mission.

Local media that would like to attend should arrive at the front gate at Lockport Road at noon on March 14 in order to gain access to the secure facility. Media will have the opportunity to interview Airmen and their families