Photo By Staff Sgt. Jana Somero | Vermont State Legislators visit with Airmen at the Vermont Air National Guard Base,...... read more read more
Subscribe
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (April 6, 2024) - The Green Mountain Boys welcomed more than a dozen Vermont legislators, with guests and family for a tour of the 158th Fighter Wing on April 6, 2024.
The visit was for the law makers to get a first hand view of the people and mission of the 158th and to highlight what the wing contributes to the local community and the state of Vermont.
“The folks we had here at the Vermont Air National Guard base today are Vermont legislators which include representatives and senators from across the state.” said Brig. Gen. Hank Harder, assistant to the adjutant general, Air.
During the tour, the legislators were introduced to various departments of the base, including the 158th Fire Department, where they received a demonstration of the fire hose capabilities from their fire trucks. They also visited the 158th Security Forces Squadron, where they were given a weapons demonstration, providing them with firsthand insight into the equipment and procedures utilized for base security.
Following these demonstrations, the legislators participated in a briefing session. This briefing provided them with a comprehensive overview of the base's operations and allowed them to ask any questions they had, further enhancing their understanding of the vital role played by the Vermont Air National Guard in both state and federal missions.
“We have had invaluable contributions from our Airmen, who embody the highest standards of dedication, " said Harder. “Our Airmen serve as a testament to the outstanding capabilities and readiness of the Vermont Air National Guard, reaffirming our commitment to excellence in serving our nation and state."
Harder emphasized the significance of hosting the Vermont legislators. He said that it is not just about fulfilling the base's mission of educating distinguished visitors, but also about enlightening them on the diverse array of responsibilities and tasks carried out by the Vermont Air National Guard.
Additionally he continued, it serves as an opportunity for Airmen to familiarize themselves with their lawmakers as well.
“This tour is for us to get to know them too,” said Harder. “They have a service they need to perform too. They have put themselves out there to be an elected representative for the citizens of Vermont. It's important for us to understand who our lawmakers are and understand the challenges that they have as well.”
The visit presents a unique opportunity to acquaint the Vermont legislators with the base’s ongoing efforts to maintain operational readiness. It also is a way for them to learn more about the base’s state and federal mission.
“Visits like this are paramount. It's an opportunity for a kind of mutual understanding and mutual education of our current operations,” said Harder. “These visits only benefit both the Guard and the state legislators.”
The visit facilitates the opening of a vital channel of communication between the legislators and Guardsmen. This interaction proves invaluable in fostering understanding and collaboration between the two groups.
Harder emphasized the importance of the base visit beyond communication with the state lawmakers. Highlighting the opportunity for him and others to proudly showcase the exceptional dedication and skills of the Vermont Air National Guard’s Airmen.
Harder noted, “We have this team of over 1,000 Airmen doing great things and we want to showcase our Airmen and what they do to our state lawmakers.”
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2024 10:57 |
| Story ID: | 468108 |
| Location: | SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Vermont State Legislators Visit The Green Mountain Boys, by SSgt Jana Somero, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT