302nd AW ready to celebrate demobilization

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tim Taylor
  • 302nd Airlift Wing
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFRC) --  The 302nd Airlift Wing is ready for a break. After spending more than a year supporting the Global War on Terrorism, the wing's members - and their families - are ready to celebrate. That celebration will take place Saturday, Dec. 2, in Bldg 210, Bay 1.

The deployments to Southwest Asia in support of U.S. Central Command operations, which began in August 2005, are completed. Now, the wing will kick back and bask in what Col. James J. Muscatell Jr., 302nd AW commander, tabs a victory celebration.

"Our maintenance and operations folks put a lot of time and effort into the numerous missions we flew during our deployments to Southwest Asia and it showed in all our successes," he said. "However, it also took the dedication and support of every member of the wing who stayed home, as well as countless sacrifices by family members and friends of our reservists. This celebration is for each and every individual who had a hand in this mobilization."

Staff Sgt. Rodolfo "Rocky" Ramirez, 302nd Maintenance Squadron pneudraulic systems technician, is one of many wing members who deployed to Southwest Asia more than once. He agrees the people back home deserve to be recognized as well.

"I think they played a huge role because they were the ones who kept our heads level while we were deployed," he said. "I think it would be great, but only if we could have everybody here."

Getting as many people here as possible proved to be the biggest obstacle. The wing was attempting to hold the celebration on Oct. 4, but the logistics of getting people and aircraft back home and in place at the same time proved to be a challenge.

Looking at a more appropriate date, planners were able to coordinate several events into a single package, beginning with the induction of the wing's first group of honorary commanders at 10 a.m. Colonel Muscatell will hold a short commander's call at 11 a.m. followed by the celebration. Members will be dismissed by 2:30 p.m. to attend any holiday functions their units may have planned.

Food and beverage for the celebration will be provided compliments of various contributors.

"The people who are spearheading this effort are from Southeast Family Center and Armed Services YMCA," said Stefano Collins, 302nd AW protocol officer. "They're getting food donations from the community." He noted Wells Fargo Bank and Fred Fletemeyer, Chairman, Colorado Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, are working on obtaining contributions.

The wing is planning for an estimated attendance of 1,200 people.
Family members are invited - and encouraged - to come join in the celebration.