Photo By Sgt. Samuel Keenan | HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Eric Segundo, state commander of the Massachusetts...... read more read more
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Massachusetts National Guard conducted an orientation flight for Keith E. Harman, the commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and four other high-ranking officials from the VFW here March 9, 2018.
The flight, piloted by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ken O’Leary and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Patricia Lopresti, carried the passengers aboard an Army UH-60 Black Hawk over Boston, as well as nearby cities and towns.
“Today was just fascinating, I have not been in a helicopter for many, many years, and this was a wonderful experience,” said Harman.
As the head of one of the largest Veteran Organizations, Harman has been travelling around the country advocating on behalf of his organization and the men and women of the armed forces.
Long before he was elected to lead the VFW in July of 2017, Harman served as a door gunner onboard a UH-1 Huey helicopter during the Vietnam War.
“Since I was discharged from the military in 1969, I think I’ve been up in in an aircraft maybe twice,” said Harman reminiscing. “My favorite part of today was just being in the aircraft. When they would bank one way or another, it was just like being back in the old days. It brings back memories.”
As part of its commitment to the community, the Massachusetts National Guard actively participates in public events and provides support to local organizations.
“Community relations is the best part of our job,” said Lt. Col. Lisa Ahaesy, Massachusetts National Guard’s State Public Affairs Officer, “We have a responsibility to keep the public informed and to increase understanding of the military; however it rarely feels like work since we have the best story to share.”
Those interested in having the Massachusetts National Guard involved with their organization or event should visit Massachusetts National Guard website (massnationalguard.org) or contact the Public Affairs Office.
| Date Taken: | 03.09.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2018 10:37 |
| Story ID: | 269019 |
| Location: | HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 293 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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