Their sacrifices warrant our gratitude

Dear Editor,

I would like to share something with readers; About 200 miles northwest of here is a little known, but integral part of the fabric of our state, our nation's security, and even our economy.

A little-known 900-acre site located in Niagara Falls houses an Air Force Reserve base that impacts our safety, our nation's ability to respond to global conflicts, humanitarian crisis, and state emergencies.

The 914th Airlift Wing and the 107th Air Wing are home to over 2500 personnel, both Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard. About 600 personnel work on the base full-time, whereas the base functions as the second largest employer in Niagara County.

Traditional reserve and guard members live and work in the civilian community, and commit to serve one weekend per month, and two weeks of training per year. They do so much more:

Airmen from the base have served honorably in conflicts that range from Vietnam, to today's on-going situations in Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Historically, reserve and guard members were a part-time military force called upon in times when active duty forces were over-worked. Since September 11th, the role of the Reserve and Guard has expanded into one that serves at a moments notice, sometimes flying up to 50% of the military mission.

Members have activated to serve the nation in a variety of roles, deploying to austere locations in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.

Deployments lasting from months to over a year at a time, are demanding, sometimes creating a strain on the members, their employers, and most importantly, their families.

The sacrifices these airmen make are for everyone who enjoy their freedom, and their American way of life.

There are currently over 70 reservists who proudly serve, residing in the southern tier of western and central New York. As a C-130 aircraft mechanic with the 914th Aircraft maintenance squadron, I am one of them; and wish to salute my fellow airmen, and express my gratitude for the time and sacrifices that they have made along the way, today, and the future.
Sincerely,
Senior Airman Erin K. Peck
Prattsburgh