Niagara Falls Reserve Station -- It is all smiles as members from the 107th and 914th Airlift Wings return home. Both units deployed to Alpena, Michigan along with the Rhode Island 143rd Airlift Wing for a five day Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). This was the first in all units' history to have a joint Guard and Reserve inspection, the 125th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Air Expeditionary Wings are a group of multiple units for a specific purpose or mission and then inactivated when done.
The units were inspected on deployment procedures, base and work centers setups, simulated base attacks with mortars, simulated chemical and missile attacks, first aid and just being a good airman and wingman. It's all about attitude and being a team player.
"This was a great training op for me and helps when I may be deployed later." said Tech Sgt. Brandy Fowler, 107th Public Affairs Broadcaster.
The days and nights were long for these airmen being challenged while wearing Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear for two to four hours at a time. This is the protective clothing and equipment worn by forces to protect against possible exposure to chemical or biological agents.
"The inspection went very good for the units." said Chief Master Sgt David Wohleben, 107th Command Chief.