177th Supports OEF

By Capt. Yvonne Mays,
177FW/CCXO

On June 4, Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo, 2nd District of New Jersey, joined Brig. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth in bidding members of the 177th Fighter Wing a safe journey as they departed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The deploying Airmen, which represent nearly every career field on the base, will be deployed for periods ranging from two weeks to 90 days.
Brig. Gen. Rieth applauded the more than 350 guardsmen and women who were departing as well as the hundreds of support personnel who helped prepare and equip them for this deployment. General Rieth urged the deploying personnel to “take care of one another and be safe.”

Congressman LoBiondo also addressed the deploying personnel thanking them for their service and sacrifice to the Nation.

108th CE Annual Training in Puerto Rico

By Senior Airman Lennard Gilbert, 108th Civil Engineering Squadron

The 108th Air Refueling Wing’s Civil Engineering Squadron recently completed its two-week annual training at Borinquen, a U.S. Coast Guard Station in Puerto Rico from Mar. 27 through Apr. 10.

While the training could be done at home station, Maj. Paul Novello, Commander, CES, noted that the squadron gains valuable, real-world experience by participating in training deployments. “By deploying to various areas throughout the world we have the opportunity to use different construction methods and materials. At Borinquen most structures are concrete, compared to McGuire where wood and metal frame structures are more common.

The deployments have additional benefits. “In addition to providing planning logistics experience the training deployments are a good tool for recruiting, morale and retention,” concluded Maj. Novello. “It’s a win-win situation.”