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Wing honors members and families for their service

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd M. McFeeley
  • 171st Public Affairs
Coraopolis, PA --       The 171st Air Refueling Wing honored recently deployed military service members and their families here on Sunday.
     Approximately 185 unit members were honored alongside their families as part of the Air National Guard's Hometown Heroes Salute campaign. The campaign was launched in 2009 to recognize Airmen who have deployed or served home-station in support of a contingency operation 30 days or more since Sept. 11, 2001.
     Wing commander Col. Tony Carrelli hosted the annual event with local legislators giving thanks to Airmen for their service and sacrifices the past several years.
     Each member received awards from the Air National Guard in honor of his or her deployment or home-station contingency support. Tier 1 awards consist of a framed thank-you letter and coins from Air National Guard Director Gen. Craig McKinley. Tier 2 awards consist of a framed folded American flag with coins from the ANG Director. Tier 3 awards consist of a statue of an American eagle in flight supported by a wooden solid base with coins from the ANG Director.
     For most Airmen, a simple thank-you is enough gratification for their service. Although the Air National Guard stresses the importance recognizing its Airmen, families and others who do not wear the uniform make huge sacrifices as well.
     For more information please reference the Hometown Heroes Salute website, https://airguard.ang.af.mil/HometownHeroesSalute/Default.aspx.