About 250 members of the North Dakota Air National Guard's Happy Hooligans were honored Sunday for their service to the nation at a Hometown Heroes event.
State and military leaders thanked the airmen who served on active-duty orders for 30 days or more between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
Their services and sacrifices may not always be known, but they are certainly appreciated. Senator John Hoeven says, "We recognize you for that service 2009, 2010, not just here in North Dakota, not just here in the country, but all over the world."
Airmen were awarded letters, flags or eagles depending on the length of their active duty service at a ceremony at the Air National Guard Base in Fargo.
Though the ceremony was not just about the men and women who served. It was fitting that it was actually family day as well, a chance to honor those loved one who sacrificed just as much.
Governor Jack Dalrymple says, "We recognize them not only for the consecutive days they spent serving the country but for the consecutive days they had to spend away from their families."
The days did not always come easy for Christi Mack and her husband Christopher while he was gone for eight months. Christi says, "Sometimes it was tough having to do things by yourself and having to play both roles."
Christopher said it was hard for him as well explaining, "You miss everything you're involved in...their schooling...just day to day stuff."
Fighting through those tough days, the lonely days of tears and sadness led to much success. Dalrymple says, "Your love & support made it possible for these airmen to complete their missions."
It is that success that was honored at the ceremony and keeps families together, even if they are apart. "It's rewarding to see that and to know whether they're here or not here...they're all still a part of it," says Christi Mack.
This was the second Hometown Heroes event honoring North Dakota airmen. The first was held on September 11, 2010 and honored those who served in the Global War on Terrorism prior to 2009.
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