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NIAGARA FALLS, NY--Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz visited the 107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, June 4, 2023, to honor and coin the 42 members that helped during the historic winter storm Elliot in Buffalo, New York, December 2022.
Each member that earned a challenge coin assisted in some way during the storm whether it was digging snow, helping civilians out of their houses or supporting the mission from on base.
With strong gusts of wind, heavy snow downfall and driving conditions deteriorating, winter storm Elliot became deadly. This storm was deemed worse than the Blizzard of 1977 which was originally the standard for extreme winter weather in Buffalo. Winter storm Elliot took many lives unexpectedly but with the efforts of the Airmen at the 107th many lives were also saved.
“What we did during the Blizzard helped save lives, it’s as simple as that.” Said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, “Lives were saved because of your mission.”
Traditionally challenge coins signify that a member played a special role, stood out from others or has made a significant impact during their time in service. This is no exception for 107th members.
“It’s great to be recognized by Mr. Poloncarz on behalf of all the members of the unit who were activated to support this mission.” Said Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Larrabee, Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader.
Col. Steven Hefferon, Mission Support Group commander reconfirmed, “They [The 107th] stands ready to meet needs whenever the time comes.”
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2023 14:00 |
| Story ID: | 446177 |
| Location: | NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz honors 107th Attack Wing members, by A1C Carissa Fisher, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
