COLUMBUS, Ohio - In a time of decreasing resources marked by a tight economy, the National Guard continues to provide an excellent value to the citizens of Ohio and America.
Despite current economic constraints and challenges, several Ohio Air National Guard units and individual Airmen have been continuing to perform their jobs at the highest levels, as evidenced by their recent recognition for outstanding performance by National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.
Several Ohio units and Airmen recognized by NGB are now competing at the Air Force level, for their achievements during 2011, including those from Headquarters, Ohio Air National Guard, Columbus, Ohio;
- 123rd Air Control Squadron;
- 180th Fighter Wing;
- 178th Fighter Wing;
- 121st Air Refueling Wing.
"The dedication and commitment of the members of these organizations enable the Air National Guard to fulfill its commitment to the missions of peacekeeping, humanitarian relief, domestic improvement and, most important of all - defense of America," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt, director of the Air National Guard.
The Air National Guard on average receives six percent of the total annual budget allocation provided to the Air Force - which is comprised of the active-duty Air Force as well as the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard - according to statistics provided by the Air National Guard.
With that six percent of the Air Force budget, the Air National Guard provides 19 percent of the Air Force's total personnel and 35 percent of the Air Force's fighter, tanker and airlift capacity.
"As the nation's resources continue to decline but the demand remains on the military to perform missions - both at home and overseas - the reserve components will continue to be a significant force multiplier and provide the best economic value possible to the citizens of the United States," said Army Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst, the Ohio National Guard adjutant general.
"Our Airmen, in Ohio, are certainly holding these words true. The National Guard is an excellent value. It is an efficient and effective national security resource at an attractive, low cost," she said.
In addition to general excellence, Ohio units and Airmen have recently been recognized for achievement in safety and environmental health, food service, lodging, force management and overall customer support.
"The nominees and recipients of these awards have contributed significantly to the success of the Ohio National Guard, and its missions toward the global war on terrorism, domestic operations and homeland defense," Ashenhurst said. "They epitomize the excellence and high standards of the Ohio National Guard, and the value it provides to our community, state and nation."