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Governor shows Haiti responders his appreciation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Peter Dean
  • 107th AW
Niagara Falls, N.Y. --  It was football Sunday for members of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing. The members that had recently returned home from a weeklong mission in support of Operation Unified Response were invited by New York Governor David Paterson to cheer on the New York Jets with him.
The governor extended an invitation to the members and their guests to come to the Big Apple for an exclusive private football party held at a local New York City pub. With the playoff game that pitted the New York Jets against the Indianapolis Colts being the main event. 107th members and their guests rubbed elbows with the governor and his cabinet members as they cheered on the Jets and feasted on a typical football party spread.
"I was pleased to enjoy the company of the Airmen of the National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing this past weekend during the Jets versus Colts game. These Citizen Airmen represented all New Yorkers as they flew vital aid into and out of Haiti last week, and I wanted to show them that the people of New York appreciate their efforts," said Paterson.
While deployed in support of Operation Unified Response the aircrew transported much needed supplies from Pope Air Force Base, N.C. into earthquake ravished Haiti. After offloading their cargo, evacuees were then loaded and transported to Homestead Air Reserve Station, Fla. Once in Homestead ARS the evacuees were given nourishment and were evaluated and treated for any medical ailments or injuries they may have incurred. From there the aircrew took to flight back to Pope AFB where the cycle began again. The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station joined the relief efforts just four days after the earthquake hit and is continuing their support in the worldwide humanitarian effort.

"I'm just glad that their critical missions went better than the New York Jets efforts to defeat the Colts, although I'm sure the Jets will do better next year," said the Governor.