Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Donaldson | Galaxy Campers, children of Airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing, participate in archery...... read more read more
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FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. - The 106th Rescue Wing hosted 60 children of New York Air National Guard Airmen during the 19th annual Galaxy Camp at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, July 14-18, 2025.
The weeklong program, organized by the wing's Airman and Family Readiness Office, provided hands-on learning, field trips, and an introduction to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with a focus on building family resilience and leadership.
“Galaxy Camp has grown from a simple idea into a key part of our wing’s connection to families,” said Lisa D’Agostino, 106th Rescue Wing Airman and Family Readiness Program manager. “It’s about developing confidence, leadership and resiliency for the next generation, and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding support of wing leadership, our Airmen and the volunteer junior counselors.”
Throughout the week, the camp emphasized the Air National Guard's core values of safety, teamwork and communication.
The opening day featured STEM activities led by Dr. Dadriane Townes, the executive director of The DEE Approach, who engaged participants in physics and weather experiments and an aviation challenge to build and launch model aircraft.
“The enthusiasm and participation from the campers and service members alike shows the strength of this community and the value of educational engagement,” Townes said. “Experiences like Galaxy Camp create positive memories for young people and reinforce the commitment of Guardsmen to their families.”
On July 15, the group visited the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank, learning about local agriculture and the importance of food and animal care to military and community resiliency.
Campers visited the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, where they explored more than 75 historic aircraft and participated in interactive STEM exhibits on flight, space, and aviation science, including flight simulators, cockpit displays, and educator-led workshops.
Volunteers from Human Understanding and Growth Services (HUGS) visited the camp on July 17 to lead interactive sessions focused on wellness, personal growth, and leadership development.
Tracy Collins, catering director for two Chick-fil-A restaurants, visited the camp on July 17 and spoke to campers about the importance of helping others. Chick-fil-A sponsored lunch for the group that day.
The final day included demonstrations by the 106th Rescue Wing Fire Department and tours of both the HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter and the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft.
Campers also toured the headquarters of the wing's pararescue squadron, where Airmen train to deploy behind enemy lines for combat search and rescue missions. Campers received briefings on pararescue operations and explored specialized rescue vehicles and equipment.
The camp concluded with a graduation ceremony, where all attendees received certificates of excellence.
Col. Jeffrey Cannet, 106th Rescue Wing commander, addressed the participants during graduation.
“To our campers and junior counselors, thank you for your energy, teamwork and willingness to try new things,” Cannet said. “You have represented yourselves and the 106th Rescue Wing exceptionally well.”
The benefits of Galaxy Camp are celebrated across generations of wing families.
Staff Sgt. Hunter Pozgay, a former Galaxy Camp participant and now a public health specialist with the 106th Medical Group, reflected on his journey.
“My experience supporting Galaxy Camp was both enjoyable and rewarding,” Pozgay said. “Galaxy Camp gave me a sense of belonging growing up, which influenced my decision to serve, and it is an honor to help create those moments for today’s campers.”
Established in 2006, Galaxy Camp continues as a signature program of the 106th Rescue Wing, supporting the Air National Guard's commitment to family readiness, resiliency and the development of future leaders, according to D’Agostino.
Tech. Sgt. Diana Carreon, an aerospace medical service specialist with the 106th Medical Group, spoke about the impact of Galaxy Camp on her family.
“Galaxy Camp helps kids learn empathy and build resilience that will benefit them throughout life,” Carreon said. “The teamwork and responsibility my daughter learns at Galaxy Camp reflect the same values we uphold in the Air National Guard,” Carreon said. “It means a great deal to see her participate in a program that builds these skills and fosters meaningful, lasting friendships.”
Her daughter, Kamilah, age 11, said, “I love what Miss Lisa is doing here. She brings people together and helps us make new friends. I’ve learned so much, and it’s amazing how Galaxy Camp connects us and helps us have fun. It’s the best part of my summer.”
The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft and the HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, specializing in rescue and recovery, and deploys for domestic and overseas operations.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2025 15:23 |
| Story ID: | 544204 |
| Location: | WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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