Hometown Heroes Salute

Staff Sgt. Troy Baker is presented with a framed letter and coin by Col. Roger Nye, 167th Airlift Wing commander, during the first Hometown Hero Salute recognition program on Sunday, December 6, 2009. In August 2008, Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, sanctioned the ANG Hometown Heroes Salute 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 ANG?s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Msgt Emily Beightol-Deyerle)

Hometown Heroes Salute

Airmen from the 167th Airlift Wing look at the various items they were presented during the units first Hometown Heroes Salute recognition program on Sunday December 6, 2009. In August 2008, Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, sanctioned the ANG Hometown Heroes Salute 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 ANG?s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Julie Lozinski)

167th Airlift Wing Honors Hometown Heroes

Published Jan. 9, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Sherree Grebenstein
167AW/PA

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- The 167th Airlift Wing honored more than 400 Airmen during its first-ever Hometown Heroes Salute at December's Sunday UTA.
The Air National Guard's Hometown Heroes Salute is designed to honor Airmen who have served more than 30 days deployed from their home station since Sept. 11, 2001. The program also recognizes Airmen's family members, significant others and their centers of influence.
The first wave of recipients was honored during December's ceremony with more Airmen from the 167th Airlift Wing slated to be recognized by the program in the future.
Col. Roger L. Nye, commander of the 167th Airlift Wing, and Command Chief Master Sgt. John Alderton, presented the awards to the Airmen.
Col. Nye lauded the efforts of those who deployed and served selflessly in defense of their country. The Wing commander thanked family members and loved ones who helped Airmen stay focused on the mission abroad. He noted their support at home was key to a successful deployment.
In August 2008, Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, sanctioned the ANG Hometown Heroes Salute 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 ANG's mission.
Airmen honored by the Hometown Heroes Salute received a framed HHS coin as well as a letter of appreciation for their service. Spouses and significant others received an engraved pen and pencil set, with children given unique HHS dog tags.
Airmen also received a "center of influence" medallion of appreciation which they could give to a person or organization that helped them or their families during their deployment.