Fort Smith's 188th Fighter Wing recognizes Airmen, families for recent deployments; Hometown Heroes Salute event honors more than 300 Air Guardsmen

by Capt. Heath Allen
Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs

6/27/2010 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Service before self. It's a very familiar adage that implies duty, honor and sacrifice, especially for those individuals serving in the United States armed forces. National Guardsmen are very familiar with the core values necessary for military service. And since Sept. 11, 2001, many Guardsmen and their families have collectively earned an ever clearer understanding of sacrifice.

And on Saturday, June 26, more than 300 Airmen with the Arkansas Air National Guard's 188th Fighter Wing along with their respective families were honored for their sacrifices at the unit's inaugural Hometown Heroes Salute held at the Fort Smith Convention Center. The purpose of this event was to honor 188th Airmen for service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from Sept. 11, 2001 through Dec, 31, 2008.

In August 2008, the director of the Air National Guard (ANG) sanctioned the ANG Hometown Heroes Salute recognition program. The primary objective is to celebrate and honor our Airmen, families, communities and those special supporters who have significantly contributed to supporting deployed Airmen and the ANG's mission.

"This event is a great way to honor those who have deployed and publicly recognize them for their service," said Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "It's also an excellent opportunity to show our support for the families who made sacrifices in their servicemember's absence."

The Airmen recognized Saturday were cataloged into three separate tiers dependent upon the amount of time they were deployed.

Guardsmen in Tier 1 (deployed 30-179 consecutive days) received a framed letter of appreciation signed by the ANG director and command chief. Their spouse/significant received a rosewood pen/pencil set with a Hometown Heroes Salute (HHS) logo. Children received a dog tag set with the HHS logo. Another family member or friend designated by the Airman was given an HHS logo medallion.

Airmen in Tier 2 (deployed 180-365 consecutive days) received a framed American flag. Their spouse/significant received an HHS lapel pin (male) or charm bracelet with HHS logo charm (female). Children received a blue cinch sack with HHS logo. Another family member or friend designated by the Airman was given an HHS logo medallion.

Airmen in Tier 3 (deployed 366-plus consecutive days) received an eagle statue. Their spouse/significant received a 6-inch crystal bowl with the HHS logo. Children received a blue cinch sack with the HHS logo. Another family member or friend designated by the Airman was given an HHS logo medallion.

For more information on the 188th visit www.188fw.ang.af.mil or find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Smith-Ark/188th-Fighter-Wing-Arkansas-Air-National-Guard/113971391965165.

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