Hometown heroes honored

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Over 250 members of the Hawaii Air National Guard were honored for their service to their state and their nation here Dec. 6, in Hangar 19 as part of the HIANG's first Hometown Heroes ceremony.

The honored guests, their families and their employers received recognition for their service and sacrifice during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and other contingencies that the Guard has been called to since Sept 11, 2001.

"Hometown Heroes was designed to recognize our Airmen and say thank you for a job well done," said Hawaii National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor Command Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski- Hall, who spear- headed the program.

According to Command Chief Master Sgt. Jelinski-Hall, when a 14-year member of the HIANG, was asked what he thought of the event, he replied, "In 14-years, I have never been recognized like this."

Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona thanked the HIANG members and their families for their commitment and sacrifice.

Employers Glen Murata from Richard Matsunaga and Assoc. Architecture firm, and Mike Walters from Loves Bakery, were honored for the unselfish support they show employees and other Guard members who are deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"It was overwhelming to see how many volunteers and hands came together to make this special event for our honored Airmen and their families," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Jelinski-Hall.