The 145th Airlfit Wing Will Conduct their Hometown Heroes Event

RALEIGH, NC (10/01/2010)(readMedia)-- The 145th Airlift Wing will hold its first Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony honoring 1230 Airmen and their families in Charlotte, N.C. on October 2, 2010. The event will be held at the N.C. Air National Guard Base located at 4930 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, N.C. 28208, at 10:30 a.m.

In August 2008, General Craig R. McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, sanctioned the Air National Guard Hometown Heroes Salute recognition program. The purpose of this program is to celebrate and honor the significant contribution of its airmen, families and communities and those special supporters to the mission of the U S Air Force and the Air National Guard.

The Airmen recognized in this ceremony will include those who have deployed for more than 30 consecutive days in support of contingency operations such as Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle and other operations across the globe since September 11, 2001.

The Airmen will receive a framed letter from General McKinley containing the Hometown Heroes salute coin. The Airman's children will also receive unique Hometown Heroes Salute dog tags.

We will recognize 10 individuals during the ceremony, two per group. The remaining individuals will be recognized at their units of assignment. This was necessary as we have over 1200 current and former members receiving the award. Retired members are invited to the Saturday event; however, we are awarding retirees following their retiree breakfast Friday, October 1st.

The 145 AW has seen near constant deployments since September 11, 2001.

Editors note: RSVP to Lt Wilber by Friday at 2:00 p.m.