NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION -- Twenty-five years ago, the men and women of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station made their return journey home. This weekend, they came home again.
More than 65 veterans of the Desert Storm War reunited Saturday April 9, 2016 some traveling from as far away as Arizona, to recount stories of their shared experiences.
“The 914th airlift wing returned to Niagara Falls 10, April 1991, triumphant and proud to have served,” said, Lt. Col. Mark Ables, 914 Airlift Wing (IGI). “This deployment helped change the way the Air Force Reserve operated. It was the first time the majority of the unit was tasked on a large scale for a long period of time.”
After reading a list of members who have since passed, Ables asked for a moment of silence before turning the reunion over to the attendees.
“It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces,” said retired Col. Robin Pfeil, former Vice Commander of the 914 AW. Pfeil added that he could look at everyone and remember a funny story about the time served.
Attendees were encouraged to bring artifacts and items such as photo albums and uniforms from the experience to display. Retired and current members mingled and shared stories while perusing old photographs, videos, postcards and newspaper articles.
Ables, who was one of the event organizers, said that there are tentative plans for a 30th anniversary.
“We did our best.” said Ables. “We put the word out and the turnout was great.”