NCO AGA Young Hero Program NCOAGA NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS by Senior Master Sgt. Theresa Snyder, NCOAGA President The Children’s Christmas party and <strong>the</strong> Holiday Party are behind us and <strong>the</strong>y were huge successes. Thanks to member’s of <strong>the</strong> 217th, especially Tech. Sgt. Hilary Bush and Staff Sgt. Scott Reynolds for all <strong>the</strong> time it took to make <strong>the</strong>se events successful. Special thanks also go out to all <strong>the</strong> volunteers that helped at <strong>the</strong>se two activities. Without you <strong>the</strong>y could not have done it. I would also like to thank TC Roesch, husband of Senior Master Sgt. Erin Roesch, and Budweiser, where he is employed, for donating <strong>the</strong> majority of <strong>the</strong> door prizes and also getting us a huge discount on <strong>the</strong> beer that was served at <strong>the</strong> Holiday party. Ano<strong>the</strong>r person that I don’t want to forget is Master Sgt. Dean Abeln who brought his equipment and supplied <strong>the</strong> music and played <strong>the</strong> videos for our enjoyment. NCO AGA, Chapter 75 Chapter 75 located at <strong>the</strong> <strong>183rd</strong> <strong>Fighter</strong> Wing is conducting a membership drive. We are on a quest to recruit 200 new members into our organization. Why should you be a member? Chapter 75 is <strong>the</strong> most active not-forprofit organization on <strong>the</strong> base and in our region. We promote and encourage PME, support and help <strong>the</strong> base commander with different events held here, and we have a huge presence in <strong>the</strong> community. Some of <strong>the</strong> things we do that people might not be aware of include flag ceremonies at schools and community events and highway clean up. To learn more or be a part of <strong>the</strong> team, please contact Senior Master Sgt. Theresa Snyder, 757-1224, or Master Sgt. Stacy Ferguson, 757-1471. We need you to make a difference. Base Upcoming Events February 29 and/or March 14 2008 – Big Bro<strong>the</strong>r Big Sister Bowl-a- Thon. Anyone interested in bowling on a team or sponsoring a bowler for this great cause please contact Tech Sgt. Deni Withrow at 757-1387. Last year <strong>the</strong> NCOAGA won first place in <strong>the</strong> company division by raising more than $10,000. We would like to keep <strong>the</strong> traveling plaque and with your help we can do it. Bowl with us or sponsor a bowler and let’s keep that plaque at <strong>the</strong> <strong>183rd</strong>. May 8-11 2008 -- Air National Guard National Bowling Tournament in Selfridge, Mich.. Huge change this year, you do not have to have an established average in order to bowl. Your average will be established at <strong>the</strong> tournament. For more information and to join a team, contact Master Sgt. Bernie Riddle at 757-1220. May or June Drill – Wreath laying ceremony. We did this a couple of years ago and would like to make it an annual event. This event recognizes <strong>the</strong> <strong>183rd</strong> members that have passed away over <strong>the</strong> last year or so. Watch for more news and a definite date for this event. July 29- August 2, 2008 – NCO AGA National Seminar in Alcoa, Tenn. The NCOAGA is celebrating 40 years in existence at this year’s seminar. If you are interested in attending this seminar, you will not only discuss enlisted PME matters, but you will also receive eight hours of continuing education conducted by instructors from <strong>the</strong> NCO or Senior NCO Academy. For more information contact Senior Master Sgt. Theresa Snyder, 757-1224 or visit <strong>the</strong> NCOAGA website, http:// www.ncoaga.com/seminar.html. August 6-10, 2008 – ANG National Softball Tournament in Panama City Beach, Fla. Contact Senior Master Sgt. Theresa Snyder at 757-1224 or Senior Master Sgt. Drew Thompson at 757-1406. There are some great ball players out <strong>the</strong>re, men and women, and I know you are dying to play so call one of us and let’s head to Florida. Members of <strong>the</strong> ANG and <strong>the</strong>ir dependents (18 or older) are eligible to play. SEARCHING FOR YOUNG HEROES Submitted by Senior Master Sgt. Theresa Snyder NCOAGA President Information provided by 1st Lt. Tara Bryan Young Hero Program Coordinator We all know or know of a child or youth that is dealing with a life threatening disease or illness. For those of you that have gone through <strong>the</strong> medical procedures it may take to beat <strong>the</strong>se terrible diseases, you now it’s not easy. Just imagine being a child and going through those same treatments. This program will honor <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong>ir courage and accomplishments. Don’t let <strong>the</strong>m go unnoticed. We would love to recruit every child that is going through this kind of hardship, but we can’t do it without your help. Please get this information out to <strong>the</strong> parents of <strong>the</strong> Young Heroes in your lives. Let’s show <strong>the</strong>m that we care. BACKGROOUND ON THE YOUNG HEROES PROGRAM The 183d <strong>Fighter</strong> Wing’s Young Heroes Award program came into existence in 1992. It is a community service program which provides recognition to a special group of young people. The program was designed to recognize <strong>the</strong> courage and valor of youngsters who have battled or are currently battling life-threatening injuries or illnesses. The 183d <strong>Fighter</strong> Wing’s concern and involvement is intended to add inspiration and hope to this special group of children. The primary objective is to pay tribute to <strong>the</strong> courage and dignity of real life young heroes whose tremendous struggles might o<strong>the</strong>rwise go unrecognized. The Young Hero is given a medal by <strong>the</strong> base commander, a tour of <strong>the</strong> base, and <strong>the</strong>n becomes an honorary lifetime member. The child and family are <strong>the</strong>n invited to all base functions to include <strong>the</strong> Children’s Christmas Party and Family Day. For more information and an application, please contact: 1st Lt. Tara Bryan at (217) 757- 1223 or tara.bryan@ilspri.ang.af.mil Or you may complete <strong>the</strong> application on <strong>the</strong> next page and fax it to (217) 757-1388, attn: 1st Lt. Tara Bryan. Page 12 Falcon’s View March 2008
Young Hero Program March 2008 Falcon’s View Page 13