Deployers recognized for 'service and sacrifice'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Base officials, along with friends and families, gathered at the Conference Center here to recognize the service and sacrifice of more than 50 military and civilian personnel who have returned from deployment in the past year.

The Heroes Homecoming ceremony formally welcomed them home.

"Our heroes have endured separation from loved ones, long hours, austere working conditions, and in many cases, life threatening actions by our enemies" said Col. Lester A. Weilacher, 66th Air Base Group commander in a "thank you" video created for the occasion.

He added that he hoped the objective of Heroes Homecoming, letting the deployers know how much everyone appreciated their service, was achieved.

As part of the ceremony, the deployers were individually recognized and presented with a medallion by base leadership for their dedicated service to this country.

Jonathan Elias, WBZ-TV anchor and former 66th Air Base Wing Honorary Commander, was the master of ceremonies for the event.

"We take so many things for granted in this country," he said. "I don't think a day should go past without patting a veteran on the back for their sacrifice."

Among those also honoring the Airmen at the celebration were community organizations, a few New England sports figures as well as the Boston Red Sox World Series trophies on display.

Senior Airman Paul Ott, who recently returned from Qatar and Afghanistan, said that events like Heroes' Homecoming are important because it recognizes those who have gone into harm's way.

"It means a lot because we've been away so long," he said. "It truly makes us feel recognized and it's very much appreciated."

For Lt. Col. Stephani Hunsinger, who deployed to Afghanistan, the ceremony allowed her to celebrate being home with fellow deployers.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be part of this ceremony and to see the effort put into it is just amazing," she said. "We couldn't do what we need to do overseas without our commander's support, so thank you."

Elias wrapped up the ceremony with some important words for the guests of honor.

"Every one of you that had a medal put around your neck deployed and the families you left behind sacrificed, yet supported you 100 percent," he said. "You've made a huge difference and you continue to make a huge difference and for that we thank you very much."