Airmen receive a heroes salute

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - The 178th Fighter Wing held a "Hometown Heroes Salute" Sunday at the Springfield Air National Guard. 

The ceremony honored the service members who have deployed for 30 or more consecutive days in the past two years.  Approximately 529 personnel have been deployed, nationally and internationally, since September 11, 2001.

The 145 members were honored Sunday for serving in missions such as Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Noble Eagle.

Senior Airman Madeline Carpenter received the "Airman of the Year" award for the state of Ohio after a six month deployment to Bahrain.

"Its an amazing honor," said Sr. Airman Carpenter.  "I had no idea I was going to win for the entire state. There are so many other amazing Airmen so its definitely an honor."

There were numerous other commendations and achievement medals presented.  SSft Tyler N. Ogden received the purple heart.  Nine members received Tier 3 Awards.  This means the airman served more than 365 consecutive days.  Sixty-five received Tier 2 Awards.  This means the airman served 180 consecutive days.

The families of the service members were also recognized.