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Hometown Heroes Salute celebrates unique Guard service

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Palmer
  • 152AW/PA
RENO --  Ninety four High Rollers were recognized at the third annual Nevada Air Guard Hometown Heroes Salute Ceremony, Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Nevada Air Guard Base. The Hometown Heroes Salute is a campaign to honor Airmen, their families and others who do not wear the uniform, but make sacrifices nonetheless in support of wartime call-ups.

Airmen recognized were from: Nevada State Headquarters, the 152nd Intelligence Squadron, 152nd Operations Group, 152nd Medical Group, 152nd Security Forces Squadron, 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron, 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 152nd Airlift Wing headquarters.

Members on contingency orders, deployed, or employed at home station are eligible for the award. Each member can also recognize their spouse or significant other with a Center of Influence Award or Center of Influence medallion. A member may give this award to a fiancée, parent, others important to them during their call-up, or someone who has had a positive impact on the member's life.

The Hometown Hero Tier 1 Salute is awarded to a member who has been on a single order in support of a contingency operation for 30 to 179 days. The recipient receives a framed letter of appreciation signed by the Air National Guard director and command chief. Their spouse or significant other receives a rosewood pen/pencil set with the Hometown Hero Salute logo. The recipient also gets a Center of Influence medallion with the Hometown Hero logo. If the Airman has children, the kids receive a set of dog tags with the Hometown Hero logo.

The Tier 2 salute is awarded to a member who has been on a single order in support of a contingency operation for 180 to 365 consecutive days. The recipient receives a framed American flag and a Center of Influence medallion. The spouse of the recipient receives a lapel pin if male or a charm bracelet if female, and their children receive a blue cinch sack with the logo.

A Tier 3 award goes to a member who has been on a single order in support of a contingency operation for 365 days or more. The recipient receives an eagle statue and a Center of Influence medallion. Their spouse receives a six-inch crystal bowl and the children receive an ABU cinch sack.

The Hometown Heroes Salute program is focused on recognizing our community, employers and families. "These awards speak to the incredible work that the Nevada Air National Guard is doing," said Col. Jeff Burkett, the 152nd Airlift Wing commander. However they are honored, Airmen will benefit from knowing their service to their community and nation is truly appreciated.

The Hometown Heroes program was sanctioned by the director of the Air National Guard in 2008, and was formally launched in 2009.

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