Photo By Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Tatro | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Laura Caputo shares the history of the Vermont National Guard...... read more read more
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SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. - If you’re one of the very small number of volunteer service men and women who have the distinct honor of saying you serve, or served, in the Vermont Air National Guard, then that alone entitles you to bear the name of Green Mountain Boy. But do you really know how distinct an honor it is to be associated with Ethan Allen and his group of colonial heroes that fought for the great state of Vermont?
Lt. Col. Laura Caputo is answering that question, traveling around the state sharing the Green Mountain Boy story to Vermont communities. She’s designed this outreach program as part of the Wing Commander’s new community outreach and engagement initiative to strengthen community relationships, educate citizens on Green Mountain Boy and Vermont state heritage, increase awareness on the capabilities of the Vermont Air National Guard, and inform the public of the opportunities and capabilities the VTANG brings to the state.
Caputo, who has served for more than 20 years in the military and considers joining the Air Force as “one of the most influential decisions” she’s ever made, gives half-hour long presentations to businesses, schools, clubs and communities and then opens the floor to the audience for questions. For some civilians, this is the first opportunity they’ve had to interact with a VTANG member, a compelling reason for her to push the program as much as she can.
“The 158th Fighter Wing can’t be successful without the support of the community,” she stressed. “From providing people to join and fulfill our mission, to the psychological aspect that effect Airmen attitudes and outlook, we need the community behind us.”
While the VTANG base has necessary security and the fenced airport can seem closed off to the community, the reality is that the base is formed by the community; its Airmen are often Vermont natives, living in local neighborhoods, volunteering, coaching youth sports and working at civilian businesses. This is a side of the National Guard that is not always perceived, and Caputo’s program is bringing it right to the doorstep of its neighbors.
A major focus of the program’s presentation is a demonstration of the typical VTANG member, featuring six Airmen; a solar panel engineer, doctor, stay-at-home mom, commercial pilot, mechanical engineer, and realtor. Along with giving basic background information about why they joined and what they do in their civilian capacities, the presentation highlights the military positions they hold at the wing. Not only is the 158th Fighter Wing an organization filled with talented professionals, but the members are all around the state, working in very typical capacities, while balancing two completely different careers.
“Unlike an active duty base where the service members aren’t from the area and often not invested in the local community, the VTANG and its members are woven into the fabric of theirs,” she said. “This integration results in military members that take a vested interest in local politics, school districts, business opportunities, and all of the other factors that help to create a thriving and vibrant community.”
Caputo’s program also combines the National Guard with Vermont’s vibrant history, threading the passion of today’s citizen soldiers with the rich heritage of Ethan Allen and the formation of Vermont’s first state militia nicknamed the Green Mountain Boys. Heritage and pride are intrinsically linked, forming a solid foundation on which the Vermont Airmen come from. Audience members get a moment to connect to Vermont history and its citizen soldiers – the Vermont National Guard.
“The VTANG started as citizen soldiers prepared to fight in a moment’s notice,” Caputo said. “In recent years we were called upon to serve in conflicts across the globe and here in our own state when Vermonters needed us most. History is unveiling itself every day and a well trained and equipped Air Guard ensures we’re prepared to respond to any number of scenarios within our community or region because history has proven our organization will be called upon again.”
Though still new, the community outreach program is already scheduling out through the summer and into the fall. The community’s interest has Caputo envisioning a permanent program with Airmen passionate for sharing their stories, National Guard heritage and VTANG mission with their neighbors.
Organizations or groups interested in having a guest speaker from the community outreach team can contact Caputo at laura.p.caputo.mil@mail.mil or call 802-660-5298 for more information.
| Date Taken: | 07.31.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2015 15:22 |
| Story ID: | 171746 |
| Location: | SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT, US |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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