An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMediaNews

Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

News


 

NFARS personnel celebrate Veterans Day with WNY community

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  Members of the 914th Airlift Wing participated in several events leading up to Veterans Day throughout the Western New York community in 2015.

914 AW personnel visited local schools to interact with children and also participated in a pregame salute to service by the National Football League's Buffalo Bills which honored service members from all military branches.

"I want to personally thank everyone for their participation in the Veterans Day Events in our community," said Maj. Andrea Pitruzzella, Chief of Public Affairs, 914 AW. "The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station was well represented by the best showing I've ever seen, and it is my hope that these events grow into something not limited to Veteran's Day; but that our Wing becomes involved year-round in events that demonstrate our appreciation to the local community."

Men and women assigned to NFARS supported more than 12 coordinated events which reached close to 1500 adults and children in the Western New York community.  Additionally, a pregame presentation by The National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres showcased the NFARS mission to a combined audience of more than 18,000.

During these events, base personnel had the opportunity to connect with members of the community in unique ways. Various elementary schools held activities which allowed Military and community service members to read with students and share some of their experiences as a member of the Armed Forces. NFARS personnel deployed overseas were given the chance to video call the schools to interact with the presentations.

"It was an amazing opportunity to be able to teach boys and girls about what we do during a deployment," said Master Sgt. Kevin Nichols, superintendent, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing  who is assigned to the 914 AW and is currently deployed overseas in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. "It's never easy to be away from home, but to have the support of so many young people makes it all the more worthwhile."

On Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, the NFL's Buffalo Bills hosted a salute to service pregame event which gave fans in attendance the opportunity to honor service members on the field before a game. Men and women from all branches of the Armed Forces walked to mid-field to applause from fans. Fans were also treated to a flyover of a C-130 Hercules from the 328th Airlift Squadron stationed at NFARS.

"I don't know that I can find the exact words to express the atmosphere surrounding such an event; but I can with complete certainty, tell you that it was a truly unforgettable experience," said Staff Sgt. Ayshia Sigler, 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron. "I have had the pleasure of attending the Salute to Service game from the stands as a spectator/fan in the past, but to be on the field was surreal. We hope to have been a positive image for the Wing and the Air Force as a whole."