(GUNG) – Several Guam National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were honored for their service in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom during two separate ceremonies held yesterday.
The Guam Air National Guard (GUANG) held their Hometown Heroes Salute in the morning at the Sunrise Conference Center on Andersen Air Force Base, while the Guam Army National Guard (GUARNG) held their Freedom Salute at the Barrigada Readiness Center Parade Field in the afternoon.
“This ceremony allows our family members to see and understand what we were doing while deployed,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Naputi, Charlie fire team leader for the 254th Security Forces Squadron.
Naputi spent six months overseas taking on a task far different from his Air Force Specialty Code. Though he had to acquire duties that he is not normally accustomed to, he said the opportunity to learn new skills was positive.
“We worked in the passenger terminal performing rapid scans and 100 percent searches,” he explained. “Part of the mission is being able to adapt, which is what we did.”
While deployment has inherent risks, these hometown heroes have not lost sight of the honor and pride that comes with the sacrifice.
Staff Sgt. Mark Enaje, also a member of the 254th Security Forces Squadron, had the opportunity to work with multi-nationals and within a joint forces environment.
“Every day brought a new experience. And today’s ceremony was not just for us, but also for those who haven’t deployed. It helps to ease apprehension and show our members the support we receive from the Guam Air National Guard for our service,” Enaje explained.
Maj. Gen. Benny M. Paulino, Adjutant General for the Guam National Guard, spoke at both ceremonies and thanked the servicemembers and their families for their service and sacrifice.
“You did our nation, our island, and the Guam National Guard well. We are all very proud of you,” he said during his speech at the Freedom Salute.
