An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Aug. 27, 2019

106th Rescue Wing gives tour to Scout troop after tragedy

By Airman 1st Class Daniel Farrell New York National Guard

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. – Members of Boy Scout Troop 161 were welcomed last Friday to the 106th Rescue Wing's base in a show of support after the loss of one of their scouts, Andrew McMorris, 12.

Andrew was killed by an alleged drunk driver last September during a scout hiking event.

"Members of our team here on base are tied closely to Troop 161, and our thoughts, prayers and well wishes have been, and continue to be, with this troop and these youngsters as they move forward from this tragedy," said Capt. Michael O'Hagan, 106th Rescue Wing public affairs officer.

"It is always great when we have a chance to interact with scouts, but this tour in particular was especially meaningful because of the connection to members of our wing and the loss of Andrew." 

On the flight line, the scouts were met by Capt. Jonathan Hoyos, a 102nd Rescue Squadron combat systems officer and 1st Lt. Kate Adamczyk, 102nd Rescue Squadron pilot, who gave them a tour of the wing's new HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and answered all their questions. 

The scouts' next stop was the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter where they met Maj. Damon Ricketts and 1st Lt. Jordan Polster, both 101st Rescue Squadron helicopter pilots.

The scouts, whose troop is in Shoreham, New York, climbed in and out of the helicopter while the pilots pointed out some interesting characteristics of the aircraft and talked about their experiences operating helicopters.

The tour concluded with a first aid demonstration by Lt. Col. Stephen "Doc" Rush, a 103rd Rescue Squadron pararescue flight surgeon and former Air Force pararescue medical director, who showed them skills like bleeding control, airway management and patient movement.

The scouts surrounded Rush and looked on as he went through the variety of tactics, even using one of their members to act as a patient. 

"This was a great opportunity to share our expertise in first aid from the highest levels with the Boy Scouts," said Rush. "It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and passion."

Colin Lynch, a member of Troop 161, left the tour telling a reporter he was happy to be on the base and that he can see himself being a helicopter pilot, but he didn't know which branch just yet. 

A nearby member of 106th Public Affairs was quick to joke, "By which branch, you mean, you want to come fly for the Guard, right?"

At 16, Colin has a few more years to finalize his decision.

Trial for the accused drunk driver is set to begin in September.

 

 

Related Articles
Staff Sgt. Brock Logan (in the main cab) from the 132d Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance looks up at Staff Sgt. Russell Bunger (in the de-icing boom cabin) both requalified on de-icing equipment with the help of the 176th LRS Vehicle Maintenance, Alaska Air National Guard. The requalification took place during the unit’s annual training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
lowa Airmen Take Training to New Heights
By Capt. Matthew Doyle, | July 1, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – More than 75 Airmen from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132d Logistics Readiness Squadron, 132d Communications Squadron and 132d Wing Staff traveled to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,...

Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward visited Ohio County on Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025, surveying flood recovery efforts firsthand while also recognizing the hard work of the approx. 110 service members on the ground around the area. Soldiers of the 115th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, 119th Engineer Company (Sapper), 601st Engineer Support Company, 821st Engineer Construction Company, 1092nd Engineer Battalion, 150th Cavalry Regiment, and Airmen with the 167th and 130th Airlift Wings continue to partner with emergency managers, public works, community members, local businesses and volunteers to support debris removal and community assessments. Following severe flash flooding in West Virginia’s Ohio and Marion counties that began late in the day on June 14, 2025, Soldiers and Airmen with the WVNG have been mobilized at the direction of Governor Patrick Morrisey, resulting in troops and equipment on the ground since June 16th.
West Virginia Guard Continues Flood Cleanup Efforts
By Staff Sgt. Zoe Morris, | July 1, 2025
WHEELING, W. Va. – The West Virginia National Guard continues to work with local, state and volunteer partners on flood recovery operations in the severely damaged communities of Marion and Ohio counties.Maj. Gen. Jim Seward,...

Captain, facility therapy dog, 114th Fighter Wing, greets Airmen as they work June 24, 2025 at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota. Her handler, Nichole Gruber, an integrated primary prevention workforce integrator at the 114th Fighter Wing, leads the Wing’s facility therapy dog initiative to promote mental wellness, support emotional regulation, and strengthen connections among Airmen.
South Dakota Air Guard’s New Therapy Dog Lends a Pawsitive Touch
By Master Sgt. Luke Olson, | July 1, 2025
JOE FOSS FIELD, S.D. – At the 114th Fighter Wing, the commitment to Airmen extends beyond physical readiness and now includes a four-legged presence focused on mental wellness. Captain, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever,...