Photo By Sgt. Whitney Woods | Family members of the 9th Air Support Operations Squadron dig into some barbecue at...... read more read more
FORT HOOD, Texas – Airmen from the 9th Air Support Operations Squadron were honored by the Freedom Flyers organization Nov. 8 at the Burnet Municipal Airport in Burnet, Texas.
Freedom Flyers, a nonprofit organization, showed their appreciation to the unit by hosting a cookout for the Airmen and their families. They also took a lucky Airman on a short flight around the area.
“It is our way of giving back to the men and women who currently serve and have served our country so well,” said Cowden Ward Jr., owner and pilot at Freedom Flyers.
As the families walked into the plane hangars, Ward gave a brief description of the fighter planes.
“I have been flying planes since I was 14 years old,” said Ward, who reminisced about the lessons he learned from his father.
The 9th ASOS produced the highest number of superior performers in this year’s Air Combat Command Inspector General inspection and was one of only three squadrons in the wing to achieve the overall excellent rating in 2014.
“It was truly an honor to attend this event and celebrate the hard work of the squadron,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Langdon Root, 9th ASOS commander.
The Airmen and their families stood inside the hangar looking at the fighter planes and taking pictures while awaiting the big moment of watching the chosen Airman take flight.
“This is our way of saying thanks,” said Jim Connors, an event coordinator at Freedom Flyers.
Tech. Sgt. Michael McAndrew, the 9th ASOS Instructor of the Quarter and Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, was selected to go on the short flight because of his superior performance while assigned to the squadron.
“I was very excited and happy to not only be able to attend the event, but to also be able to go on the flight,” said McAndrew.
After the flight, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, the Airmen and families sat down to eat refreshments provided by Freedom Flyers.
“The real enjoyment is to see the look on the service men’s face after they finish their flight and know that it has truly impacted them in a positive way,” said Connors.
The organization, which once provided free flights to only World War II veterans, saw how much influence the flights have on troops and expanded the flights to all veterans as well as active duty personnel.
“Last year, we gave more than 100 veterans flights and work with Fort Hood’s Warrior Transition Battalion to link us with Soldiers who have post-traumatic stress disorder to provide them with flights,” said Ward. “It is just important to never forget those who have given so much.”
The 9th ASOS were the guests of honor for this occasion, and Freedom Flyers plans to recognize many more troops and squadrons in the future.
“What a great way to be honored,” said Root.
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2016 15:10 |
| Story ID: | 187801 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Hometown: | BURNET, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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