920th Rescue Wing gets Into holiday spirit

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ryan Liss
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force Reserve Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here took a few hours out of their busy Unit Training Assembly weekend to come together with friends and family in celebration of the winter holidays during a lunch picnic on Saturday, December 4th.
Clear skies graced the Italian-themed event at Chevron Park on the outskirts of the base, as Airmen and their family enjoyed various pasta dishes, sausage hoagies, biscotti's, and other delectable treats.

"The holidays can be tough for military members and their families," said Col. Robert Dunn, 920th Rescue Wing Commander. "It's important that we take the time to celebrate and embrace the holiday festivities."

The 920th RQW is the most deployed combat search and rescue unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. With two geographically separated units at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and Portland International Airport, Ore., the wing has over 1,500 Airmen, two helicopter squadrons, a fixed-wing squadron and three Guardian Angel Weapons Systems squadrons that consist of pararescuemen, combat rescue officers and survive, evade, resist and escape specialists.

"We're high demand and low density here," said Colonel Dunn. "Our Airmen have seen more than their fair share of deployments. Many have deployed multiple times. Some are even deployed right now through this holiday season."

As Airmen took the time to relax and enjoy a good meal and weather, children ran to and from the enormous bouncy-slide and back to the playground - with their parents chasing after.

"When you work at such a high tempo, a lot of family opportunities get sacrificed for the greater need of the mission," said Lt. Col. Jerome Cobb, 920th Rescue Wing, Inspector General. "It's nice to take a step back and celebrate the holidays with one another."

As the 920th RQW finishes their transition into the holiday mode, we hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

For more information on the 920th RQW, please check out the 920th Rescue Wing website and please become a fan of the 920th RQW on Facebook and Twitter.