Rescue Reserve wing showcases heroes, hardware for families, civilian employers

  • Published
  • By 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 920th Rescue Wing showcased its military hardware and heroes for Air Force Reservists, their family members, and their civilian employers June 2 for Family Day during its monthly unit training assembly here.

Following a briefing by Col. Jeffrey Macrander, 920th RQW commander, spouses and employers of Reservists got a chance to fly aboard an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter or and HC-130P/N King fixed-wing refueling aircraft. They flew north up Cocoa Beach for an aerial view of Port Canaveral, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center, then returned to Patrick Air Force Base.

In addition to flights for spouses and employers, Family Day included an open house, aircraft static displays, vehicle and equipment displays, and a picnic at Chevron Park on base. The picnic was made possible by donations and volunteers from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, AVET Project, American Legion, Patrick Air Force Base Commissary, Florida Beer Company, Top 3, Military Officers Association of America, and others.

Macrander said recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of Reservists, their families and their civilian employers is beneficial to all involved.

"Our Airmen have been very busy this year with deployments and inspections, but it's important to take time to relax, get together, celebrate what we've got, and thank the families and employers of our Reservists who help our people to come out here and do an awesome job," Macrander said.

The relationships between Reservists' military and civilian careers are mutually beneficial as both benefit and are rewarded with a well-trained and equipped individual.

Deirdre Hollis, an employer from the Florida Department of Transportation in Jacksonville, Fla., said it was great coming to Patrick and learning about the wing, its mission, and facts about the Air Force Reserve. She said she has great respect for the Reservists who work with her at FDOT, and visiting the 920th RQW was very enlightening. During Family Day, Hollis took a ride on a Pave Hawk for the first time.

"It was absolutely exhilarating!" Hollis said of the flight. "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I really do appreciate it."

Aleshia Hayes, wife of Capt. Paul Hayes, 920th RQW Equal Opportunity officer, also said her experience flying on a Pave Hawk helicopter was nothing short of amazing.

"Now every time I look at the flight line I see it completely differently," she said.

Their military commitment requires Reservists to juggle a myriad of tasks to include balancing their family, career and selfless service to their country. Volunteerism will remain the hallmark of the Air Force Reserve. It is with the support of employers and family members of these Citizen Airmen that they are able to make sacrifices from work and home life to serve this nation seamlessly.

The 920th RQW is the only Air Force Reserve Wing that performs combat search-and-rescue missions, which keeps its Airmen busy with a high operations tempo supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. The wing is comprises 1,700 Airmen.

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