Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Airmen mark 60th anniversary, throw out first pitch By 1st Lt. Jay Ostrich
                193rd Special Operations Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard
 PITTSBURGH - Three-years ago, the weather, terrain and local hospitality couldn't have presented a more startling contrast.  It was exceptionally hot and not every person they met in the sands of Iraq's Sunni Triangle was particularly friendly to these Airmen from the 193rd Special Operations Wing, Middletown, Pa. But on a frigid afternoon surrounded by beautifully manicured grass, more than 38,000 rabid Pittsburgh Pirates fans gave Senior Master Sgt. Don Koch and Tech. Sgt. Jeff Myers the warmest reception of their lives. As the first recipients of the Purple Heart in Pennsylvania Air National Guard history, the duo was honored by throwing out the ceremonial Opening Day first pitch and catch, April 9. Their participation marked the beginning of a statewide effort called "Operation Shining Diamond" to celebrate the Air National Guard's 60th anniversary at professional baseball parks throughout the commonwealth.  The 111th Fight Wing, Willow Grove, Pa., also provided a three-ship A-10 flyover during the national anthem. Throughout a rousing and lengthy standing ovation, fans gave thanks to these Airmen who were injured in an improvised explosive device attack, which rendered both with extensive shrapnel wounds outside Mosul, Iraq. "It gave me a big chill to be in front of that crowd," said Sergeant Myers, who later received a second Purple Heart and a Bronze Star after returning to duty in Iraq.  "I know they appreciate what Airmen do and the sacrifices we make to ensure freedom and our way of life." With more than 50 years of combined service to their commonwealth and country, the team supplied convoy security as gunners with the 1058th Air Expeditionary Force Transportation Company in 2004.  Their seven-man team ran convoys for the U.S. Army's First Infantry Division throughout some the most austere and hostile regions. But the pair weren't the only people being recognized for more than a half-century of dedication.  Pittsburgh native John Wray, a Pirates fan who has logged in 50-straight opening day events, couldn't help but give a personal salute for their efforts.  For the first catch, he loaned Sergeant Koch the very glove he wore to his first opening day game when he was just six-years old. "These guys are really unbelievable heroes," said Wray who works as a fundraiser for a national church organization.  "It couldn't be a greater honor to me than to have these servicemen use this glove and go make history." With a steely-eyed gaze and perfect bearing, Sergeant Myers wound up and delivered an inside strike into the history books and a well-weathered glove. "History matters, because it means that what we did as a team has touched someone's life and hopefully made it a little better," said Myers, "We never planned on making history, we just wanted to make a difference." Judging by the inundation of applause, high-fives and thanks given the Airmen here, they have done just that.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course
 By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith,
  38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise
 By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry,
  Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska
 By 156th Wing
  More
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course Guard News • 5 hours ago
 38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise Guard News • 13 hours ago
 Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska Guard News • 13 hours ago
 Air National Guard Conducts Sentry Savannah Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 Hawaii Air National Guard Hosts Sentry Aloha Joint Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 2024 (196)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil