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Niagara Airmen shine during Salute to Service Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  Members of the 914th Airlift Wing participated in an Air Force Salute to Service Week at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, an event that ran from July 25-27, 2014.

Representatives from various base agencies attended the three-day event that showcased some of the 914th Airlift Wing's capabilities and allowed Airmen to interact with the local community.

Thirteen members from the 914th Force Support Squadron set up a basic version of field feeding equipment called a Single Palletized Expeditionary Kitchen.  They also displayed some of the older equipment used for feeding members in field conditions. This showed the evolution of the equipment that personnel in Prime Readiness in Base Services, also known as Prime RIBS, has used throughout the years in support of both military operations and disaster recovery support.

"I think it's great we get to show our job off," said Senior Airman Rachael Horn, 914th FSS services. "People can see what we get to do, instead of us just telling them."

Additionally, the 914th AW showcased its explosive ordnance disposal mission at the event. Community members had an up close view of the suit that unit members use around explosive material as well as observe simulated explosives that EOD would encounter in a deployed environment.

"It's important to show the public how we support them and they support us," said Tech. Sgt. Kyle Spalding, EOD technician. "They learn that in the event of an explosive emergency we would respond in a timely manner to handle the situation."

Air Force Salute to Service Week is an annual event held at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, a museum that is home to several decommissioned U.S. Naval vessels, including the Cleveland-class cruiser USS Little Rock, the Fletcher-class destroyer USS The Sullivans, and a submarine, the USS Croaker. Along with the ships, there are a variety of smaller vehicles, vessels, and aircraft also on display at the park.