Photo By Tech. Sgt. Daniel Farrell | Kim Catapano, an elementary school teacher and spouse of 106th Rescue Wing TSgt....... read more read more
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Francis S. Gabreski ANGB, NY. (Sep. 08, 2018).
The New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing added Spouse Flights to the annual Family Day festivities at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on Sept. 8.
The wing allowed Guardsmen to invite their spouses to take flight over Long Island in an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter or an HC-130P/N King aircraft.
The Spouse Flight was the first in several years, according to Maj. Matthew Forbes, a pilot assigned to the 101st Rescue Squadron, who helped coordinate the event. Wing Commander Col. Michael W. Bank prioritized spouse flights to show families what their military members help accomplish every day.
“Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force sent out a Notice to Airmen titled ‘Expectations of a Successful Command Team.’ The four main points they wrote about were mission, culture , family and fun.” said wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Hewson. “Our command team’s spouse flight initiative give us the opportunity to bring families to our wing and give them a firsthand experience of what our Airmen do every day.”
TSgt. Daniel J. Catapano, an electronic warfare systems specialist, loved having his wife experience what he does on a day to day basis.
“I think this is the most amazing thing this base has done in a while for families, to show them what we do in the most coolest way possible,” said TSgt. Daniel J. Catapano.
Catapano’s wife, Kim Catapano, an elementary school teacher, had the opportunity to fly on the Pave Hawk helicopter.
“It was a really great experience,” said Mrs. Catapano. “My husband talks about working on them all the time, so getting the firsthand experience to see what he does everyday was a really cool opportunity.”
While the Airmen and their spouses were thankful for the chance for family members to get a taste of the military experience, wing leaders said they appreciate the professionalism and dedication of the Airmen and the unwavering support their families give them.
“Spouse Flight is great way to say thank you to the families that allow us to have their husbands and wives go and serve the military in dangerous places,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Keane, Operations Group deputy commander. “It’s a much deserved thank you.”
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2018 10:20 |
| Story ID: | 301349 |
| Location: | WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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