Yokota recognizes its Homefront Heroes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  During a ceremony held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center here Dec. 14, family and friends gathered to recognize some of Yokota Air Base's youngest heroes.

The ceremony was held to honor 15 Yokota members for all of their contributions during one of the most trying times for any military family -- the deployment of one or both parents.

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

"This medal signifies a light shining in the darkness and is a symbol of truth, spirit and hope," said Tech. Sgt. Johnathan Cooley, AFRC NCO in charge of readiness.

"When we think of military service, we often think of the member and the spouse; the children and their sacrifices are often overshadowed by their parents," said Col. Todd Freece, 374th Mission Support Group commander.

"This ceremony rightfully places the military children in the forefront," he continued.

The children were nominated by their parents for achieving success at school, helping out around the house and participating in extra-curricular activities while a parent was deployed.

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