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Air Guardsmen honored for valor during Operation Allies Refuge
by Staff Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan
National Guard Bureau
NEWBURGH, N.Y. (AFNS)—Flying into a “hornet’s nest” is how one crew member of Reach 824 described the scene as their C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft approached Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, as Taliban forces took the capital city last summer.
The crew of seven Airmen from the 105th Airlift Wing, New York National Guard, did not grasp the magnitude of their heroism at the time: Their successful completion of this airlift mission would earn them the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, each donned with the V device for valor, or the Meritorious Service Medal.
“I am grateful there are Americans who step forward to serve our nation, to kiss their families goodbye to join the fight, to tell their employers, ‘I know what we do is important, but right now my nation needs me, and I have to go,’ ” said Army Gen. DanielHokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, at a ceremony June 4 recognizing the crew’s heroism.
“It is nothing short of inspiring to be in your company.”
Recognized were Capt. Matthew McChesney, Lt. Col. Andrew Townsend, Capt. Jonathan Guagenti, Tech. Sgt. Joseph Caponi IV, Staff Sgt. Evan Imbriglio and Staff Sgt. Corey Berke.
The seventh member, Tech. Sgt. Byron Catu, flying crew chief aboard
See GUARDSMEN, Page 14
Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Terrence Clyburn
New York National Guard Airmen with the 105th Airlift Wing were recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with valor at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y., June 4. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, National Guard Bureau chief, and Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, Air National Guard director, praised the Airmen for their heroic actions flying a C-17 Globemaster III into Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, as Taliban forces took the capital city in August 2021.
Wish granted!
by Tech. Sgt. Bradley Tipton
927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The 927th Air Refueling Wing was introduced to one of the most resilient members of its family during a family day gathering at MacDill Air Force Base April 30.
Tam Keenan, from the Kids Wish Network, introduced 7-year-old Lennon Little to the wing and presented him with a military uniform.
U.S. Air Force Col. Kurt Matthews, 927th ARW commander, presented Lennon with his commander’s coin, thanked him for his bravery and made him an honorary commander for the family day.
Life-threatening health challenges qualified Lennon to receive a wish through the Kids Wish Network.
For his wish, Lennon chose to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump and an update to that wish came in the form of a surprise gift box presented to him during the family day. Inside, Lennon found a personal letter, coin and several autographed memorabilia items from the former president.
“We’re incredibly proud to have the Littles in the 927th family and it was a personal honor to meet Lennon at family day, ” said Matthews.
Photo by Tech Sgt. Brad Tipton
