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Wing holds ribbon cutting ceremony
Story and photos by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen, 177th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


Above, from left to right, State Senator James Whelan, Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd Dist.), U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Col. Robert C. Bolton, commander, 177th Fighter Wing, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Maj. Gen. Maria Falca-Dodson, commander, New Jersey Air National Guard, cut the ribbon in front of the wing's new headquarters on Aug. 11.


"It's a big day for the New Jersey National Guard, specifically the New Jersey Air Guard and the 177th Fighter Wing," said Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey.

Federal and state officials joined senior New Jersey National Guard commanders and 177th Airmen in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the wing's new Headquarters and 227th Air Support Operations Squadron buildings on Aug. 11.

"This is one of the good news stories," said Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd Dist.). "This is the premiere homeland security base in the entire United States of America. No one else can lay claim to that; you do it magnificently."

The headquarters provides space for the commander and staff, conference rooms, and a training classroom, while the 227th facility has offices for flight operations, mission planning, along with maintenance and other storage areas. The 227th is assigned to support to the 50th Brigade Combat Team and Pennsylvania National Guard's 2/28th Brigade Combat Team.

"These facilities are a symbol of the future and the Guard is America's future," said Wing Commander Col. Robert C. Bolton. "This is one cut we'll all look forward to."

Staff Sgt. Melissa Cortez recites the Airman's Creed to a crowd of more than 100 at the conclusion of the ribbon cutting ceremony.
 
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Volume 35 Number 3 Staff / Information
     
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