OCR Text |
Show Six months of deployment, sacrifices recognized as Military Affairs Committee teams up to thank Team Hill's defense of nation by Tech. Sgt. Sonja C.R. Whittington 388th riqhter VJrnq Public Af'j rs Community member took turns Friday night saying thank you to Tram Hill p runnel who've deployed from Hill AIT', in the past six mouths. The Welcome Home reception was held by the Top of I'tah Military Affairs Committee at the Hill Aerospace Museum. "U'e read about (the deployments) in the local papers but, at times, we take (you) for granted," said Iiob Kkstrom, Military Affairs Committee president. "We wanted to show our support for the men and women who provide national defense for our country." The idea for some sort of welcome home or military appreciation event began more than four months ago. said Kick I lartle who organized the evening for the MAC. The MAC sponsors an annual military appreciation day at an Ogden Raptors, semi pro. baseball game in Ogden but "that didn't seem quite- enough," I lartle explained. "At our ( K tuber meeting, we recognized that the world has changed but we still wanted to do something." he said. "We wanted to reach out to the military community, and at the same time, show our appreciation for the sacrifices of the families left at home." With the help of Vickie McCall. Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services chair, the Military Affairs Committee decided to sponsor a welcome home reception for the people who have deployed recently and their spouses. McCall approached Tom Guinney, Gastronomy, Inc. president, with the idea and he jumped at the chance to show his support. "My grandfather served in World War I with George I'atton; my father was a merchant marine who was sunk three times in the North Atlantic on oil tankers taking oil to Great Britain before the war started and I joined the Navy in 1(7," he explained. Guinney and his organization offered their full support for the event. Gastronomy Inc. donated all the food and beverages for the more than (iOO airmen who attended. - then-Lieutena- "We have a sense of pride for participating in this event," he said. "All my employees (working at the reception) volunteered their time. Most of them are senior management." Guinney said, the event may of had a hefty price tag. but it was well worth it to pay back the men and women of Hill for their sacrifices. Volunteers from the museum and the 75th Air Base Wing appreciate all you've done." Bergren also introduced a special guest for the evening. Pear! Harbor survivor and Navy veteran Master Chief Petty Officer Walter Bailey. To thunderous applause, Bergren introduced Bailey to the men and women of Hill and others in attendance, and thanked him for being "one of America's greatest generation." Another special guest at the reception was U.S. Rep. James Hansen who said he was "amazed by all the places you've been and what you've been able to do." is The congressman continued and talked about the attacks on America Sept. 11. "(The terrorists) have the will to destroy us but they don't have the power," he said. "We have the power; do we have the will? If we have the will, (the U.S. war against terrorism) will work." The Military Affairs Committee plans to host a similar reception every six months to show their appreciation for the commitment of the military to the defense of Bob Ekstrom the nation, said Hartle. "And we still want to do more. The people left behind work extra shifts to fill in for those deployed. We want to find a way for some extra recognition for those people guarding the gates, working extra shifts." The Military Affairs Committee, a subcommittee of the Ogden-Webe- r Chamber of Commerce, promotes favorable relationships between business and military communities and advocates for preservation of Hill and its missions. li -- J r4 40-yea- r a Maj. Phrto by Airman m C Gen. Scott C. Be' commander, dnMt i r" Vie message we want to send to you loud and clear that we appreciate what you do and thank each helped coordinate the recep- tion. "It's wonderful working with the volunteers," Guinney said. "They have done the utmost lrofcssional job. I've been astonished at the proficiency of your be-c- (military) labor force." The guests at the reception included servicemen and women, and everyone ofyou for that dedication and commitment. from the 388th Fighter Wing, Fighter Wing, 75th Air 4 19th Base Wing and Ogden Air logis- tics Center who've deployed to Bright Star in Kgypt. Operation Southern Watch and 0xration Noble Eagle and other locations. "The mission tonight is to say thank you for your commitment and the sacrifices you make in defense of our nation," said "The message we want to send to you loud and clear is that we appreciate what you do and thank each and everyone of you for that dedication and commitment." That message was echoed by Maj. Gen. Scott Bergren, Ogden ALC commander and senior leader on base. "It's been a busy year with lots of deployments," he said. "You all have contributed to the ebb and flow of Hill. It is a great tribute to all of you and we're glad you're home and Eck-stro- 0 U.S. Representative Jirr T .f V "- - I :H7 1 .'4 7 r Elizabeth Strlckler, left, the crowd joined 1 v f l b; cist, v , .it H . f . ,4 IsSj M c .: rnuio oy Mirman isi iiass ory MCuUlcnin Staff Sgt. James Wilson and his wife share a subdued moment during the singing of Lee Greenwood's, "God Bless the USA." Phntn hu ftoninr Airman Riisa Mnrtln riici iucco imo up iu yci men uiinioi piaie ai uio iiioinuraum event. The Military Affairs Committee and community leaders provided the food, drinks and entertainment. 0 st rv Photo by Senior Airman Russ Martin Scott Bole and Capt. Dale Skinner enjoy d conversation following their recent deployment to Bright Star In Cairo, Egypt. 1 ,1 fV&. Lt. light-hearte- Reception attendees wei S rT'. ! IT t A l . .... ; youngster at the event looks on, eagerly awaiting dinner. ( In. 5" A n Photo by Airman 1st Class Cory McCutchln An Airman enjoys a conversation with his wife and daughter. Photo by Senl |