09.09.12

Hoeven Honors Guard Members, Families at Hometown Heroes Event

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today honored about 250 members of the North Dakota Air National Guard (NDANG) and their families for their service to the nation at a Hometown Heroes event. Senator Hoeven, Governor Jack Dalrymple, Congressman Rick Berg, Major General David Sprynczynatyk and other military and community leaders thanked the Airmen, who served on active-duty orders for 30 days or more between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010.

“Today we are grateful for the opportunity to pause and recognize the Airmen and women – as well as their families – who have given so much to our state and country,” said Hoeven, who served as commander-in-chief of the North Dakota Guard for the first portion of the honored Airmen’s service. “We will always remember the service and sacrifices made by these service members and their families as they heeded the call to serve. They have earned our unyielding appreciation and support.”

Airmen were awarded letters, flags or eagles depending on the length of their service, with some airmen receiving more than one award. Those serving for 30-179 consecutive days received letters or Tier 1 recognition. Airmen serving for 180-365 consecutive days received flags or Tier 2 awards. Eagles or Tier 3 recognition were awarded to those serving for more than 365 days.

Hoeven, who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, has worked to support the North Dakota Air National Guard missions. In June, Hoeven invited Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to Fargo to meet with airmen and inspect operations on the airbase.

This is the second Hometown Heroes event honoring North Dakota Airmen. The first was held on Sept. 11, 2010 and honored those who served in the Global War on Terrorism prior to 2009.