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

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Deploying Airmen receive departing gift from local Legion Post

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  In addition to weapons and equipment, deploying Niagara Airmen received a symbol to carry with them to their Area of Operation overseas.

The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 567, Orchard Park, N.Y. organized groups in the folding of 230 8-inch by 12-inch American flags for departing Airmen.

The Post, assisted by Orchard Park Girl Scout Troop 30418, Orchard Park Boy Scout Troop 48 and St. John's Lutheran Church Woman's Ministry of Orchard Park folded the flags and put them in closable plastic bags for the troops, said Nancy Despard of the American Legion Auxiliary.

"I think this is a wonderful program--these flags are a reminder of why we do what we do," said Staff. Sgt. Nicholas Respondek, 914th Airlift Wing Knowledge Operations NCO.

Another Sergeant is looking forward to carrying the flags with her on her upcoming deployment.

"I am taking them with me when I deploy and will hand them out to other deployed members as a morale booster or when an opportunity presents itself," said 914th Force Support Squadron Chief of Force Management Tech. Sgt. Laura Eversole. "I will pass them all out before I return in the summer."

The groups put a little verse in the bags with the flags stating how proud they were of the service members.

"It's a little piece of home to take with them on the front lines," said Despard. "We are proud of them and praying for them...to the troops: thank you for your service; it's a tremendous thing what you are doing. "