Editorial: Westover unit deserves a crisp salute

The Republican Editorials By The Republican Editorials
on August 20, 2010 at 12:42 AM, updated August 20, 2010 at 7:19 AM
2Westover65.jpgTwo C-5B Air Force cargo jets are seen prior to the start of a mission to the Middle East last month.

We salute the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base for being recognized as the “best in the nation.”

The unit topped 31 other Air Force reserve units in the competition to win the Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard II Award for excellent performance. The award, announced this week, was granted on overall quality and the amount of work that base employees performed between 2009 and June 2010.

Besides sending more than 400 reservists to support operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the base has supported humanitarian efforts to help earthquake-torn Haiti over since the last year when it ramped up its operations to 24 hours a day.

Westover’s critical role in the nation’s security has always been a source of local pride, but it’s gratifying to get some independent confirmation.

It’s difficult to imagine Western Massachusetts without Westover, but several years ago, it seemed possible as the Defense Department realigned military operations to save money. Westover was spared and has flourished ever since. The base pumped $231 million in the Greater Springfield economy during the fiscal year ended Sept. 30.

“This award validates what every individual in this wing does,” said Robert R. Swain Jr., wing commander. Those individuals include airmen, civilians, contractors and the families that support them.

Congratulations to all the personnel at Westover. They’re A-OK.