142nd Fighter Wing to Welcome Home Deployed Airmen

Thursday, November 05, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

Roughly 200 Airmen deployed to Europe will be welcomed home by the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing with a formal ceremony held on Friday at 1 PM at the Portland National Guard Airbase.

In June, the U.S. Air Force deployed members of the 142nd Fighter wing to bases throughout Europe, including Hungary and Romania, as part of a Theater Security Package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The unit, known as the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, included 12 aircraft and approximately 200 airmen that augmented already existing efforts of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

"Oregon Guardsmen put themselves in harm's way, leaving their jobs, their families and their security here at home, to work for our security abroad," said Col. Paul T. Fitzgerald, 142nd Fighter Wing commander. "A formal demobilization ceremony is public recognition of the sacrifice and efforts our Airmen made on behalf of their service to our country."

The unit raised more than $3,500 dollars to provide backpacks filled with clothing and toiletries for orphans who live near the base, and visited with the orphans on two different occasions.

Lt. Col. Sean Sullivan commanded the 123rd EFS during deployment and said he proud to lead the group.

"We provided a forward presence in Europe to reassure our NATO allies of the U.S. commitment to peace and regional stability," Sullivan said. "At home or abroad, the Oregon Air National Guard is always on mission."

Scheduled to attend the ceremony are Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins, U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici, U.S. Representative Kurt Schrader, and Brig. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon, among state and other elected officials.

"The Oregon National Guard could not be more proud of the men and women of the 142nd Fighter Wing," said Stephen Bomar, director of Public Affairs for the Oregon Military Department. "We need to remember the sacrifices also made by the families and employers of these Airmen. We thank them for their enduring support of the Oregon National Guard."