Washington gets their money worth with the Guard

by Tech. Sgt. Michael L. Brown
141st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

10/1/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Washington State Governor Jay Inslee hosted a group of approximately 50 Washington National Guardsmen and first responders at the Governor's Mansion in Olympia, Washington, Sept. 29, to honor them for their contribution to the State Route 530 slide.

The formal ceremony started out with appetizers and a social where attendees were invited to converse and network.  The 141st Air Refueling Wing here was able to send seven Guardsmen to participate in the ceremony.

After the social the attendees flowed into the downstairs gathering room to listen to a speech by Inslee where he expressed his appreciation for all of the supporters of the slide.  During his speech Inslee recognized several personnel by name, specifically Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Barton, 141st Civil Engineering Squadron and Col. Michael Weitzel, 81st Brigade commander, Headquartered in Seattle, were both given a certificate of appreciation from Inslee for their personal contributions to the slide.

Giving individuals credit for their hard work was a highlight of the speech and several were named.

"One of the things that stood out was that the governor remembered the names and faces of some of our members that assisted in the slide cleanup," Said Senior Airman Charolette Gibson, 141st Civil Engineer squadron search and extraction technician.  "The fact that he remembered specific people and the actions they did, was pretty cool."

In addition to the recognition, the ceremony provided a reunion type atmosphere for the men and women who worked closely together in the slide.

"It was nice to be able to see some of the people we worked with out at the slide who we haven't seen since March," said Gibson.  "It's nice to know, even in a time of crisis, there are friendships and bonds that come out of it."

The governor then posed for photographs with the attendees and walked around giving his personal thanks to those who were able to attend.

Seeing the support for the Washington National Guard meant a lot to Gibson.

"I always look forward to getting out there and meeting the citizens we serve, showing them, this is why the guard exists and their tax dollars are being put to good use," she said.

In a similar fashion Inslee said,  "Washington State is getting their money's worth with our Guard personnel."

Following all the fanfare and recognition the guardsmen returned home prepared and ready to assist should the need arise again.  Gibson summed up the experience with this, "I believe we have shown Washington State our capabilities over the course of the last year and how this mission is important for our state."