NY Air National Guard Recognizes Returning Airmen

Media Advisory for Afghanistan Veterans' Awards Ceremony

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TACP members conducting pre-mission equipment checks for an exercise involving A-10 and F-16 fighter aircraft. The unit frequently conducts exercises both for deployment preparation and to m

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SYRACUSE, NY (08/13/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing will present two Bronze Star decorations to members of the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron for their accomplishments overseas supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan during an awards ceremony this Saturday, August 14 at 8:30 am.

WHO: 274th Air Support Operations Squadron members Tech Sgt. Pat Dicrasto, from Penfeild, New York and Tech Sgt. Cole Shebat from Baldwinsville, New York.

WHAT: Award ceremony commemorating the overseas deployments of two forward-deployed air controllers to Afghanistan, including opportunity to talk one-on-one with Airmen and family members about their experience.

WHEN: Saturday, August 14, 2010. News media must arrive at the base no later than 8 a.m.

WHERE: 174th Fighter Wing, 6001 E. Molloy Road, DeWitt (use Thompson Road gate)

Coverage Opportunities:

Media members will be able to observe a formal Wing presentation of the Bronze Star Medal to two airmen recently returned from deployments in Afghanistan. There will be opportunities for imagery and video of the ceremony and follow-on interviews of the airmen and their family members.

BACKGROUND:

The Bronze Star Medal is one of the highest decorations awarded to members of the United States military. It is given for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. The Bronze Star is awarded only to service members in combat who are receiving imminent danger pay.

The 274th Air Support Operations Squadron deploys with Army combat units to provide command, control, and coordination of Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft. Their intensive training allows for the members of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) to provide precision terminal attack guidance of U.S. and coalition fixed- and rotary-wing close air support aircraft, artillery, and naval gunfire in combat.

Media Contact: If you plan on attending this event, please contact Major Jeff Brown at 663-8734 and provide the names of media representatives who will be coming onto the base.