McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee -- The 134th Air Refueling Wing held a Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony on January 9 to recognize members of the Wing who have served in the Global War on Terrorism between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2008, and their families who have supported them.
Airmen were presented with letters of appreciation encased in rosewood frames. Older family members were presented with rosewood pen and pencil sets, while each child was presented with their own sets of dog tags. Every item presented was engraved with the Hometown Heroes Salute logo. Airmen were also presented with a "Center of Influence" medallion to be given to someone they feel supported them and their family during their absence.
"Thank you for what you do. We can't do what we do without you. You're at the pointy end of the spear," said Col. Timothy Dearing, 134 ARW Wing Commander. "And a second thank you to all of the family members."
Since the Hometown Heroes Salute program was begun in 2010, more than 400 members of the 134 ARW, and the tenant units assigned to McGhee Tyson ANGB, have been recognized for their service in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Additional Hometown Heroes Saluteceremonies will be held to recognize those who have served since December 31, 2008.