142nd Fighter Wing Honored at Homecoming
Monday, November 09, 2015
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici greets Staff Sgt. Adam Burger, an aircraft maintenance technician assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Group; courtesy of the Air National Guard
"Oregon Guardsmen put themselves in harm's way, leaving their jobs, their families and their security here at home, to work for our security abroad," said Col. Paul T. Fitzgerald, 142nd Fighter Wing commander.
In June, the U.S. Air Force deployed members of the 142nd Fighter Wing, as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, to bases across Europe, including Romania and Hungary.
Known as the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron,the deployment included a total of 12 aircraft and approximately 200 Airmen to augment the U.S. Air Forces in Europe's existing efforts. The Airmen trained alongside NATO allies to strengthen interoperability.
"We provided a forward presence in Europe to reassure our NATO allies of the U.S. commitment to peace and regional stability," said Lt. Col. Sean Sullivan, who commanded the 123rd EFS during the deployment. "At home or abroad, the Oregon Air National Guard is always on mission."
While deployed, Sullivan's unit members also raised more than $3,500 dollars to provide backpacks filled with clothing and toiletries for orphans who lived near their deployed airbase. The Airmen visited with the orphans on two separate occasions. A few of the Airmen were able to adopt stray dogs and have them shipped home to Oregon through non-profit animal rescue organizations.
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