Stewart ANGB releases 2007 tour schedule

Newburgh (March 12) - Spring is only three weeks away, meaning Stewart Air National Guard Base is once again opening its doors to the public for C-5 "Galaxy" tours. Aircraft tours (preferably for groups of ten or more) are available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the following Mondays: 

• April 16,
• May 21,
• June 18,
• July 16,
• August 20,
• September 17, 
• October 22

Those interested in venturing through the Air Force's giant C-5 must provide: a preferred tour date and time, number of people (adults and children) in the group, a group representative/contact and a telephone number where a military representative can call to verify certain security information.

"The 105th Airlift Wing has a unique attachment to the local community," said Col. Charles Faro, Vice Commander of the 105th Airlift Wing. "Unlike an active duty installation, as a National Guard base we are deeply rooted in the Hudson Valley where roughly 70 percent of our members reside. It's always an honor and a privilege to open our doors to the very people who continually support our mission."

The C-5 "Galaxy," one of the world's largest cargo aircraft, can transport equipment ranging from tanks and helicopters to humanitarian supplies and other military essential provisions. 
 
Faro added:  "There are currently 111 of these airframes left in military service and we are fortunate to have 13 of them assigned to Stewart Air National Guard Base.  For those who have never seen a C-5 in person or had an opportunity to walk through one, it's a remarkable experience."  

The 105th Airlift Wing is one of two Air National Guard units in the country with an operational C-5 mission. The unit's 13 aircraft regularly fly missions around the world in support of America's armed forces.  Stewart Air National Guard Base is located just 70 miles north of New York City and has a 20-year proven track record for answering the call to duty both in New York State and around the globe.  The Wing has more than 1,500 assigned members, many of them still involved in the Global War on Terrorism and Homeland Defense operations.

For further details about C-5 tours, please call the community liaison office at 845-563-2024.  Tech. Sgt. Kim Freyhagen, 105th Airlift Wing community initiatives manager, will gladly help guide you through the tour scheduling process and security review. 

Arena
Air Force Airman Katherine M. Arena has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.     During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.     In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.  She is the daughter of Mary Arena of Mountain View Road, Putnam Valley, N.Y.     Arena is a 2003 graduate of Walter Panas High School, Cortlandt Manor.

Corales
Army Reserve Pvt. Samuel Corales has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.     During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.     He is the brother of Ina-Marie Corales of Sheridan Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y., and grandson of Emily Rodriguez of Porter Road, Mountaindale, N.Y.     Corales is a 2006 graduate of Franklin K. Lane High School, Brooklyn.

DeFranza
Air Force Lt. Col. Frederick S. DeFranza is currently deployed overseas at a forward-operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. DeFranza is a commander normally assigned to the 728th Air Control Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Valparaiso, Fla.  The colonel has served in the military for 20 years.     He graduated in 1982 from John Jay High School, Fishkill, N.Y., and received a bachelor's degree in 1986 from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  He earned a master's degree in 1997 from Embry Riddle University, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Delgado
Army Reserve Pvt. Chris Delgado has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.    Delgado is a 2006 graduate of Kingston High School

Della Pia
Air Force Senior Airman Dominick F. Della Pia has been named Outstanding Active Duty Intelligence Airman of the Year Level 1.     Selection was based on the individual's exemplary duty performance, job knowledge, leadership qualities, significant self-improvement, specific achievements, notable accomplishments, and community service and support.     Della Pia, an intelligence analyst with four years of military service, is assigned to the 603rd Air Operations Center, Ramstein Air Base, Kaiserslautern, Germany.     He is the son of Armond A. Della Pia of Post Road, New Hampton, N.Y.     His mother and stepfather, Susan L. and Roy Plakis, reside on Shore Drive, Highlands, N.J.     The airman is a 2002 graduate of Minisink Valley High School, Slate Hill.

Distel
Army Staff Sgt. Colleen M. Distel has been mobilized and activated for an overseas deployment to a forward-operating location in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and/or Iraqi Freedom.  The soldier is a member of the 275th Quartermaster Company, Blackstone, Va.        Distel is a squad leader with six years of military service.     She is the daughter of Bruce D. and Carol A. Distel of Irish Cape Road, Ellenville, N.Y.     The sergeant graduated in 1995 from Ellenville High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2006 from Lock Haven University, Pa.

Dukes
Joshua E. Dukes has been promoted to the rank of master sergeant in the U.S. Army.     Dukes, a drum major with 10 years of military service, is assigned to the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Fort Myer, Arlington, Va.     He is the son of Fred and Felicidad Dukes of Dr. Fink Road, Arlington, N.Y.     His wife, Judy, is the daughter of Chester D. Tripp of Palisade, Colo., and Chary M. Tripp of Leonard Lane, North Aurora, Ill.     The sergeant is a 1997 graduate of Millbrook High School.  (In photo, Fred Dukes pins the new rank on his son.)

Dulce
Air Force Airman Eddie Dee D. Dulce has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.    Dulce is the son of Perlita Delapena of Quaspeck Blvd., Valley Cottage.

Eisele
Air Force Airman 1st Class Nathaniel R. Eisele has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.     During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.     In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Eisele earned distinction as an honor graduate.     He is the son of Evelyn Eisele of Foster Road, Middletown, N.Y.     The airman graduated in 2001 from Pine Bush High School, N.Y., and received an associate degree in 2006 from Alfred State College.

Herard
Air Force Airman Joseph G. Herard has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.    Herard is the son of Jean Michel Herard of Fletcher Road, Monsey.

Jackson
Air Force Airman John A. Jackson has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.    He is the son of John Jackson Sr. of Rondack Road, Middletown, N.Y., and Lisa Burton of E. 105th St., Manhattan, N.Y.     Jackson is a 2006 graduate of Middletown High School.

Kolessar
Army Reserve Pvt. Kevin P. Kolessar has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.     He is the son of Susan Kolessar of Clarence Mews, Middletown, N.Y.     Kolessar is a 2003 graduate of Middletown High School.

Martins
Air Force Airman Daniel L. Martins has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.     During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.     In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.     He is the son of Manuel and Maria Martins of Amy Lane, New Windsor, N.Y.     Martins is a 2007 graduate of Cornwall High School.

Mohammed
Army Reserve Pvt. Andy J. Mohammed has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.     During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.     He is the son of Bissoondaye Rahman of 73rd St., Woodside, N.Y., and nephew of Harold Winters of Peach Road, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.     Mohammed is a 2004 graduate of William Cullen Bryant High School, Long Island City.

Morris
Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Quinn B. Morris has been mobilized and activated for a future deployment to an undisclosed overseas location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Morris is a pavements and construction equipment craftsman normally assigned to the 555th Red Horse Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nev.     He is the brother of Roger Morris and Rene Morris of Tecumseh Ave., Mount Vernon, N.Y.     His wife, Ahreiale, is the daughter of Deola Brooks of White St., North Las Vegas, Nev.     The sergeant is a 1986 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.

Pagan
Air Force Airman Luke J. Pagan has graduated from basic military
training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.     During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.     In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.He is the son of Linda and Felix Pagan of Pleasant Drive, Carmel, N.Y.     Pagan graduated in 2001 from Carmel High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2006 from Florida International University, Miami.

Parrotte
Air Force Airman Daniel P. Parrotte has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.     During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.     In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.     He is the son of Tom and Cindy Parrotte of Broadway, Amenia, N.Y.     Parrotte is a 2007 graduate of Webutuck High School, Amenia.

Peterson
Army Spec. Laura A. Peterson has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.     She is the daughter of Thomas Peterson of Turnpike Road, Archdale, N.C., and sister of Amanda Rimm-Hewitt of Lake Peekskill, N.Y.     Peterson graduated in 2002 from Trinity High School, N.C., and received a bachelor's degree in 2006 from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Purcell
Army Reserve Sgt. James C. Purcell has returned to the U.S. after being deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The servicemember is regularly assigned to the 592nd Ordnance Battalion based in Billings, Mont.       The reserve unit soldiers first arrived at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo., for demobilization and debriefing procedures prior to returning to Billings.  The unit soldiers served at Camp Adder in Iraq during their tour of duty.     Purcell is an ammunition sergeant with three years of military service.     He is the son of Kevin S. Purcell of Nolan Road, Ballston Lake, N.Y., and Jan A. Purcell of Cabot, Ark.     His wife, Margaret, is the daughter of John and Toni Sikora of Walnut Drive, Pawling, N.Y.     The sergeant is a 1998 graduate of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, Burnt Hills.

Raab
Air Force Airman Keith J. Raab has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.        He is the son of Karen and Kevin Raab of Byram Road, Carmel, N.Y.     Raab is a 2005 graduate of Carmel High School.

Reinholz
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Karl R. Reinholz has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.     During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.     In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.     He is the son of Frank Reinholz of Nathaniel Lane, Florida, N.Y., and Laura Reinholz of Joseph Ave., Westfield, Mass.     Reinholz graduated in 2003 from Westfield High School, and received an associate degree in 2005 from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Simeon
Army Spec. Evan A. Simeon has arrived for duty at Chieveres Air Base, Belgium.     Simeon, a military police, has served in the military for more than two years.     He is the son of Scott T. and Wendy M. Simeon of Sucich Place, Wappingers Falls, N.Y.     The specialist graduated in 2004 from Roy C. Ketcham High School, Wappingers Falls.

Smith
Army Pvt. Arnold F. Smith has graduated from basic combat training
at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.     During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
    Smith is the brother of Melinda Smith of Capron St., Walden.

Temple
Army Pvt. Sean E. Temple has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.  The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.     Temple is the son of Mary Beth Temple of Pine Ave., Palenville, N.Y.     The private is a 2005 graduate of Catskill Senior High School.