This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Pa. Air Guard hosts recognition ceremony for state, local military supporters


HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa. — The 111th Fighter Wing hosted a recognition ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 11 from noon - 2 p.m. to recognize several regional organizations and individuals for their contributions and support of the military.

 Presenting the awards were: Army Maj. Gen. Wesley Craig, the adjutant general for Pennsylvania, Air Force Brig. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, deputy adjutant general-air of Pennsylvania; and Air Force Col. Howard Eissler, commander of the 111th Fighter Wing.  

 Among those organizations recognized were the Horsham Chamber of Commerce, Horsham Rotary Club, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the American Camp Association, Keystone Regional.

Find out what's happening in Montgomeryville-Lansdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 The ESGR organization recognized 30 civilian employers of the base’s traditional Guardsmen force. Supporting their employee’s citizen-soldier commitment often means sacrifices for companies when their staff members are deployed. 

 The Philadelphia Parking Authority was awarded the state’s highest ESGR award, the “Pro Patria,” for their substantial support of their military members.

Find out what's happening in Montgomeryville-Lansdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 Retired Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Jenny Pappas, former member of the 111th Fighter Wing, was awarded the “Extra Mile Award” for her long-term efforts to support unit members and their families. This annual award is given nationally to one representative from the Air National Guard and one from the Army National Guard.

 American Camp Association, Keystone Regional was recognized for their 10th year of running Operation Summer Camp. This program provides youth camping opportunities to the children of military families. The organization has provided more than $450,000 of aggregate donations and 250 overnight youth camping opportunities. In 2013, they provided camping experiences for the children of numerous installation military members, ranging in age from 3-16. The value of the camp attendance for the dependents this year was estimated at $30,000.

 These recognition events were previously scheduled to be awarded October 2013 during the base’s Hometown Heroes’ Day ceremony, but they were postponed as a result of the fiscal year governmental budget debate.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?