CONTACT: Capt. Patrick Cordova, 845-563-2031

FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Aug 02, 2009

WHO:

500 members of the 105th Airlift Wing who have served for at least 30 days on Active Duty in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation Enduring Freedom since Sept. 11, 2001, and their families have been invited to attend.

WHAT:

Almost 500 members of the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing who served in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be recognized Sunday, August 2, during a “Hometown Heroes Salute” at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Airmen being honored will receive a Hometown Heroes Salute Coin with Letter of Appreciation signed by the ANG Director and Command Chief Master Sergeant. The spouse or significant other of the Airman will receive a Hometown Heroes Salute logo engraved pen and pencil set and Hometown Heroes Salute logo medallion. Each child will receive HHS logo engraved dog tags. Members of the media are invited to attend the event and interview wing leaders, airmen and their families about their service and this recognition program

WHEN:

1:30 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2009

WHERE:

Hanger 102, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh

Coverage Opportunities: Opportunities to interview leaders of the 105th Airlift Wing, the Airmen and their families about their service in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, their service in the New York Air National Guard, and this new Air National Guard Program. 105th Airlift Wing Commander Brig Gen. Verle Johnston will speak and will be available for interviews. Visual Opportunities: 105th Airlift Wing members and their families receiving their recognition certificates and gifts in the same Hanger that houses the giant C-5A aircraft the wing operates. Members of the Media interested in covering the event should contact Capt. Patrick Cordova no later than 1230 on Sunday, August 2 for access to this secure military facility. Background: Air National Guard Hometown Heroes Salute In August 2008, the Director of the Air National Guard sanctioned the Air National Guard Hometown Heroes Salute (HHS) recognition program. The purpose of this program is to celebrate and honor Airmen, families, communities and those special supporters who have significantly contributed to supporting our Airmen and the Air National Guard’s mission. A committee was formed to establish the awards and criteria for eligible ANG members. The committee recognized that the family has a very important role in support of the deployment. Therefore, the family will be honored along with their military member. The first phase will be a “catch-up” phase. The Airman who served for more than 30 consecutive days in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom during the period of 11 September 2001 through 30 September 2008 will be recognized. Each member being recognized will receive a framed Hometown Heroes Salute Coin with Letter of Appreciation signed by the ANG Director and Command Chief Master Sergeant. The spouse or significant other will receive a HHS logo engraved pen and pencil set and HHS logo medallion. Each child will receive HHS logo engraved dog tags. Each airman received a formal invitation and must RSVP before 24 July 2009 to ensure proper seating for their family. After this initial “catch-up” phase, we will host the HHS during the Annual Deployment Appreciation Evening each November. 105th Airlift Wing: The 105th Airlift Wing is one of three Air National Guard units in the country with an operational C-5 mission. The unit's 13 aircraft regularly fly missions around the world in support of America's armed forces. Stewart Air National Guard Base is located just 70 miles North of New York City and has a 60-year proven track record for answering the call to duty both in New York State and around the globe. The 105th AW recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at Stewart ANGB.