Photo By Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman | A child gets her face painted at the Vermont Air National Guard open house Aug. 1,...... read more read more
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SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. - The Vermont Air National Guard opened its doors to the community Aug. 1, inviting people in to see the hard work and training that the Green Mountain Boys perform during their monthly drill exercises.
Parking lots filled quickly as families and groups of friends, excited for the opportunity to see the training that goes on at the VTANG, took advantage of the open welcome. Displays around the base included an F-16 and an HH-60 Black Hawk medical helicopter from the Vermont Army Guard, along with aircraft munitions. Representatives of the Vermont National Guard Museum showcased old military uniforms, antique photographs and a collection of squadron insignia. The base fire department, which also assists local rescue personnel, gave a demonstration of a vehicle extraction. And the VTANG bomb squad, Explosives Ordnance Disposal, showed some of the tools they use, such as a remote robot for bomb disposal.
The event drew media, neighborhood families, aircraft hobbyists and enthusiasts, and even retired members of the Green Mountain Boys. Open houses give retirees opportunities to reconnect with fond memories of their time in service. Bruce Baccei, a retired staff sergeant and former aircraft electrician spent some time in the hangar where the open house was hosted.
“It’s wonderful to see how much the unit has grown,” he said. “I love having the opportunity to come back to my old stomping grounds.”
Also enjoying the hangar were aircraft enthusiasts who got the rare chance to get up close to the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet, things that are usually just speeding specks in the sky.
“I’m definitely a fan of aircraft but I never get to bring my camera this close,” said Donal Williams, a resident of Essex Junction. “Getting to take a closer look is a great opportunity and I’m very excited to see everything that has been set up.”
During recent years the military has been forced to take additional precautions to protect the security of America and its citizens. By nature these securities restrict open access for the public so the leadership of the VTANG is taking an initiative to facilitate as much communication and dialogue as possible. One important message is reminding the public that much of the National Guard is composed of citizen soldiers – people who only wear the uniform two days a month and two weeks a year.
After completing monthly weekend trainings, most Airmen go back to work in the community, bringing with them the pride and discipline of the Armed Forces. Because so many members are native Vermonters who were raised and still live and work as civilians in the local areas, the Green Mountain Boys’ roots have a deep hold in the local landscape. With such a close relationship, support from the community is essential to mission success.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2015 17:26 |
| Story ID: | 172162 |
| Location: | SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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