SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (12/07/14) — Base personnel and local officials celebrated more than 20 Airmen who deployed during the past year from the 178th Wing during a Dec. 7 ceremony at the Springfield Air National Guard Base.
"As Airmen, we miss important moments like holidays, birthdays and recitals," said Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman, Ohio assistant adjutant general for Air. "I know your Families are glad to have you home for the holidays."
The honorees represented several subordinate units of the 178th Wing: Security Forces Squadron, Civil Engineering Squadron, Logistics Readiness Squadron, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, and Operations Group. Each honoree was thanked by the distinguished guests and received various ribbons, medals and awards for their service.
"The state of Ohio is behind you," said State Rep. Bob Hackett, from Ohio's 74th House District. “Thank you for the sacrifice you and your Families have made."
Family and friends joined the Airmen for the ceremony to celebrate their homecoming. The Airmen retuning, in turn celebrated those who supported them during their deployments. Yet while the ceremony highlighted the sacrifice each Airman made to their country in service, the core value of service before self echoed through their responses.
"It is great to be back," said Staff Sgt. Wesley Cooper, a member of the 178th Security Forces Squadron. "I missed my wife a lot, but I am glad I was able to serve." |
