First Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony recognizes Guardsmen, families

  • Published
  • By Brooke Davis
  • Eastern Air Defense Sector
Rome, N.Y. --  The Eastern Air Defense Sector held its first Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony Dec. 18. The award program was created by the Air National Guard to honor our Airmen who have deployed and to let them know that their service to our nation is truly appreciated.

It is one of the ANG's largest recognition endeavors in history, and is unique because it also recognizes Airmen's families and others who do not wear the uniform, but who sacrifice nonetheless.

At the ceremony Dec. 18, members were formally presented their recognition items. Col. Dawne Deskins, EADS vice commander, was the presiding officer of the ceremony.

"The Hometown Heroes program recognizes deployments that we have supported ... as members, we train to support operations like these," said Colonel Deskins. "Recognizing their contributions is important, but what is unique about this program is that it also recognizes the sacrifices of their families. Dealing with a deployed spouse can be very difficult, and it's important to acknowledge and honor sacrifices of the families as well."

Each ANG member who has deployed away from their home station in support of a contingency operation for over 30 consecutive days on orders since September 11, 2001 will receive a framed HHS Coin with Letter of Appreciation from the Director, ANG and the ANG Command CMSgt.

The member's spouse or significant other who supported them throughout the deployment will receive an engraved pen and pencil set. The member's children at the time of their deployment will receive personalized HHS dog tags. The member's Center Of Influence (any non-family member who significantly supported them before, during, or after their deployment) will receive a HHS Logo Medallion.

Operations that EADS members have supported include deployments to Manas Air Base in Kyrgystan; Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar; Balad Air Base in Iraq; Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, and many locations in the U.S. for natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

According to officials at Air National Guard, the Hometown Heroes Salute will be conducted in a two-phase campaign in order to properly recognize everyone. Phase I is January through December 2009 all eligible ANG members deployed since September 11, 2001, will receive the 1st Tier Award, Hometown Heroes Salute framed coin and letter of appreciation. All family members and centers of influence will also be recognized with gifts.

Phase II is 2nd Tier Awards where a framed American flag will be presented and the eagle salute will be presented at the 3rd Tier Award. For more information on the program, visit www.ang.af.mil.