Yokota recognizes home front heroes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrea Salazar
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  During a ceremony held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, five of Yokota's youngsters were presented Home Front Hero awards July 22, 2013.

The quarterly award honors the contributions of children whose parents are deployed or on extended duty assignments, and is based on nominations by their parents.

During the ceremony, each child received a special Home Front Heroes coin, a certificate of appreciation and a Blue Star medal.

"The medal is intended to honor the child's service and support on the "home front" during the separation period," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Cooley, AFRC non-commissioned officer in-charge of readiness.

"When we think of military service, we often think of the member and spouse; children are often overshadowed by the military lifestyle we are so accustomed to," said Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander. "Today we honor the support and service of our children--our true heroes at home and in our Air Force."

To find out more about the program, or to nominate a child, call the AFRC at 225-8725.