Pennsylvania Air National Guard Honors Airmen at Annual Flight of Freedom Event

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Air National Guard today recognized its organizations and airmen from across the state and inducted two members into its Hall of Fame at Fort Indiantown Gap.

Retired Maj. Gen. James Skiff, a current resident of Granby, Conn., and retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Thomas, of York Springs, were inducted into the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Air Guard's highest honor.

Maj. Gen. Steven Sischo, deputy adjutant general of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, presided over the event.

"I've had the honor of commanding Pennsylvania's Air Guard for six years and I have always been impressed by the dedication of our capable airmen in performing the various missions our state is entrusted to execute," Sischo said. "Today's ceremony is an important yearly event to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of our airmen."

Additional recognitions included the presentation of the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Flight Safety Award and Airmen of the Year awards.

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard is made up of approximately 4,000 airmen from three wings across the state: the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, the 193rd Special Operation Wing based in Middletown and the 111th Fighter Wing based in Horsham. Geographically separated units are also located in Johnstown, State College and Annville.

This marks the first time the ceremony, which began in 1988, has been held at the state headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap in more than 21 years. It is typically hosted by the state's three Air Guard wings.

In 2011, nearly 1,000 airmen from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard deployed to 15 countries supporting a wide variety of operations.

Media contact: Staff Sgt. Ted Nichols, 717-861-6893 (office), 717-644-8211 (cell)

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

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