Photo By Staff Sgt. Sean Madden | The 106th Rescue Wing celebrated Family Day at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard...... read more read more
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Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y. – Airmen, family and friends gathered at the 106th Rescue Wing for a day full of fun at the wing’s annual Family Day, September 7, at F. S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y.
The festivities kicked off on Saturday morning with spouse incentive flights, a tradition which has taken place on Family Day for the last ten years, said 106th Rescue Wing Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager Lisa D’Agostino, who has been an integral part of Family Day for the last 18 years.
The flights on the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft provide 106th spouses with a glimpse into the daily operations of their military spouse and serves as a gesture of appreciation for the constant support they offer, D’Agostino explained.
Michael Stango, a new spouse of the 106th, recalled his experience taking part in the incentive flight.
“My experience with the 106th has been amazing so far and I was so fortunate to get on a spouse flight… because not too many people get to experience that,” Stango said. “It was just incredible, and I am so happy to be a part of the 106th.”
Immediately following the last flight, Family Day officially commenced with various games, food and booths with local vendors for families to enjoy.
“We couldn’t do this without our local community,” D’Agostino explained. “Sometimes local vendors don’t know how to support the wing, so knowing that they can come out here on Family Day and be a part of it, this is their way of giving back to our service members and their families.”
On the flightline, attendees had the chance to explore both an HC-130J and an HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter up close and learn more about the 106th’s search and rescue mission.
Airman 1st Class Sherie Donaldson, a personnel specialist of the 106th Force Support Squadron and military spouse, enjoyed her first Family Day as a service member.
“Family Day was truly special for me,” Donaldson said. “After six years as a military spouse, stepping into my role as an Airman and having my husband introduce me to everyone felt like a full-circle moment. It was heartwarming to see our daughter enjoying all the kids’ activities, and the base did an amazing job of welcoming families. It reminded me of the strength and resilience that come from being part of this community, making all the sacrifices worth it.”
Colonel Andrew Wineberger, Vice Commander of the 106th, highlighted the significance of Family Day.
“Family Day is a great opportunity for all of us to get together, not just military members, but their families, and it’s our way of appreciating all their efforts,” Wineberger said. “We know how hard they work behind the scenes making things happen for our military members to come out and support us, so this is our way of thanking them.”
D’Agostino recalled what it means to her seeing all her team’s efforts come together.
“This is a way of saying thank you to the families and service members for all they do, but when you see those families and the service members having fun, the comradery, enjoying everyone’s company, seeing our service providers and local community come here and want to be a part of Family Day, it means the world,” D’Agostino said.
The 106th Rescue Wing, based at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, and the HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, specializing in rescue and recovery, and deploys for domestic and overseas operations.
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2024 15:19 |
| Story ID: | 480437 |
| Location: | WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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