Guard recognition program continues in 2010

By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
National Guard Bureau

(12/15/09) – An Air National Guard award campaign that has honored thousands of Citizen-Airmen, families and civilians this year will continue into 2010, officials said here today.

The Air Guard’s Hometown Heroes Salute campaign recognizes Airmen who have deployed since 9/11 as well their families and personal “centers of influence,” who supported them.

“It’s to celebrate every single Airman that you have, and their family and the community that is taking care of you,” Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy, command chief of the Air National Guard, recently told the National Guard’s top leaders.

The success of the program was measured through the dozens of events that took place around the nation this year. During the recognition ceremonies, Airmen are awarded a cherry-wood encased letter of appreciation signed by the Air Guard’s director and command chief, which is enclosed with a commemorative coin.

In addition, spouses or significant others receive an engraved pen and pencil set and medallion. Each child receives engraved dog tags.

“They have gone off very well,” said Linda Brooks, the campaign’s program manager at the Guard Bureau. “The average unit has about 500 people to recognize.”

Thousands of Airmen will eventually be honored though the campaign for their deployments in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle.

About 10 percent of the 135 eligible Air Guard units held ceremonies this year, said Brooks.

“Everyone has done it with the pomp and circumstance that not only honors Airmen, but honors their families and the community,” said Brooks. “They are proud of them for doing what they do.”

Although the program was introduced last January, the first batch of awards only began arriving in the field in May.

The first ceremony was held by Louisiana Air Guard, and many units are still awaiting their awards or are awaiting the best time to hold their ceremonies, said Brooks.

A Web site, launched in April, connects units to award ordering, eligibility criteria and other valuable information and is accessed through the Air Force Portal.

“Bottom line, this is the right thing to do,” said Muncy. “So take care of your Airmen, the greatest Airmen in the United States Air Force.”