Union Ironworkers Local 229

Business Manager William Stuckey recognized for

Supporting Employer of Deployed Airmen

U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Duquette.

The 163^rd Civil Engineer Squadron held their first Hometown Heroes Ceremony, August 7, 2010 at March AFB, Ca. During the ceremony, 17 members of the squadron were honored. The ceremony also recognizes their family and civilian employer. The military members are the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing Commander Colonel Randall Ball, 163d Mission Support Group Commander Colonel Nathaniel Reddicks, and 163d Civil Engineer Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mark Moritz.

Since 9/11 Airmen of the United States Air Force, Air National Guard have been tasked to deploy at a moments  notice to answers the Nations call.  Whether for a month or over a year Citizen Airman is called to duty to support U.S. Air Force contingency operations in Operations Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over 70,000 airmen nationwide have been deployed for over 30 consecutive days or more.

The Air National Guard’s Hometown Heroes Program recognized William Stuckey for being a supporting employer for the great contributions and support they have given to the Citizen Airman. The families of the Deployed Airmen were also recognized for their contributions to our national security. The ceremony is a way of saying thanks not only to those who have served, but also to their families.

Among those honored was Master Sergeant Jose Naranjo a member of the Air Guard since 1992 who was deployed to Iraq from March 2003 till January 2004. MSgt Naranjo is married to Claudia Naranjo and has two sons Jonathon Naranjo and Jose (Joey) Naranjo Jr.

The purpose of the Air National Guard Hometown Heroes Salute is to celebrate and honor the contributions of airmen and women as well as their families, communities and other special supporters. Spouses or significant others received a rosewood pen and pencil set with the Hometown Heroes Salute logo engraved. Children received Hometown Heroes Salute dog tags.

Ironworkers Local 229 would like to thank William Stuckey for supporting military members as they are placed in harms way.