Legislators and Guardsmen salute Hometown Heroes

By: Capt. Bridget Zorn
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs




ST. LOUIS - Missouri's political and military leaders, including Gov. Jay Nixon, recognized nearly 60 members of the 157th Air Operations Group in a Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony at Jefferson Barracks on June 5.

The Hometown Heroes salute program was developed by the Air National Guard to recognize Citizen-Airmen, their Families and other supporters for their contributions to the Air National Guard mission.

Nixon was joined by Rep. Russ Carnahan, State Sen. Jim Lembke and Rep. Vicki Englund at the ceremony. There, the leaders congratulated the Guardsmen for their service and the Family members for making sacrifices and supporting their service members.

"It was hard to recognize everyone," explained Chief Master Sgt. William Wilson, 157th Air Operations Group superintendent.

The 60 Guardsmen honored at the ceremony represented more than 120 Citizen-Airmen who were assigned to Jefferson Barracks who qualified for the award by deploying for 30 or more consecutive days since September 11, 2001.

"Many Airmen have retired or transferred to other units," said Wilson. "Future events will close these gaps and provide us a means to continue to recognize the ongoing dedication of our Airmen."

Saturday's event was the unit's first ceremony and was an attempt to recognize everyone who deployed between 2001 and 2009. Wilson said a number of personnel are already on the list for next year's event.

Future Hometown Heroes Salutes will also include special mementos for those deploying for 180 - 365 consecutive days and for 366 days or longer.


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Posted: 6/7/2010 8:44:21 AM