Dec. 7, 2008 Veterans Part of 104th Family The U.S. population is a little over 306 million, of which 24.5 million are veterans, and of the veteran population, 9.5 million are over the age of 65, dieing at a rate of 1.8 thousand each day. The later of those figures help us to realize that the veteran who are part of our lives, need to be
Dec. 7, 2008 Spotlight on Airman First Class Jesse Edwards As one of the many necessary departments and offices included in the 104th Fighter Wing, Munitions keeps the F-15s missiles, bombs, and other air combat equipment dialed and ready for any mission. Airman First Class Jesse Edwards, munitions apprentice, is one of the members that makes this
Dec. 7, 2008 Wounded Warrior Slaydon Inspires Barnes Last drill weekend I had the distinct privilege of escorting SSgt. Matthew Slaydon and his wife Annette throughout Barnes to various shops. Those fortunate enough to hear his message saw the strength and positive attitude this young hero displayed. Staff Sgt. Slaydon was extremely explicit and
Dec. 7, 2008 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base Recognizes Outstanding Members at 35th Annual Awards Ceremony The 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base will recognize about 60 members at the 35th Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, December 6 at 2PM. The annual awards recognize enlisted, company grade and civilian personnel. Recipients are personnel assigned to Barnes Air National Guard Base
Dec. 7, 2008 Westfield Mayor to Sign ESGR Statement of Support The Mayor of Westfield, Michael R. Boulanger will sign a 'Statement of Support', with the Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Monday December 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the Mayors office, 59 Court Street. The 'Statement of Support' is a symbolic gesture reassuring
Oct. 4, 2008 Civil Engineering Builds Jet Blast Deflector The September drill marked the end of the beautiful views I used to enjoy from the ground floor of the Wing Headquarter building. This is due to the newest addition to our base, a jet blast deflector in front of Building 1, and although I lament the loss of my views of the flight line, I feel a lot
Oct. 4, 2008 Incident Commander Course In the event of a disaster, how would civilian and military authorities organize their resources under one structure to respond effectively? During a weeklong course hosted by the 104th Emergency Management office, senior leadership from the 104th and other Air National Guard (ANG) units from the
Oct. 4, 2008 Chamber Breakfast Barnes Air National Guard Base is currently the 3rd largest employer in Westfield, and its payroll annually exceeds that of 95% of the business within a 30 mile radius, it is a strong contributor to the Western Massachusetts tax base, and a long-time member of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
Sept. 13, 2008 The Guard Cares For 12 consecutive years, the 104th Fighter Wing has partnered with the Westfield Head Start program to facilitate 'Guard-Care'. Guard care is a health screening program for pre-school age children preparing to enter school; this year's program was successfully run on September 9th. The Medical
Sept. 13, 2008 Employers Gain Insight It's all been said before, "the National Guard could not perform its mission without the traditional members, and they could not be here without the support of their full-time employers." It has been said time in time again, because it is true. We can never loose sight of the one aspect of the Guard