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92 Aerial Port Squadron Deactivation Ceremony

92 Aerial Port Squadron Deactivation Ceremony - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 4:04PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Sunday, Sep 16, 2007 @04:04pm EST
(WYOMING, Luzerne County).

You've probably driven past the Wyoming Valley Air Reserve Center on Wyoming Avenue before. But did you know it's home to the 92nd Aerial Port Squadron.

For more than 50 years, reservists here have loaded air craft, moved materials and personnel. Retired U.S.A.F. Carl Rittinger said, "It was a great group, served many honors, years served."

As of September 30th, the service will stop. The Air Force has changed it's mission and the 92nd Aerial Port Squadron is part of that downsizing. Lt. Colonel Patrick Riley is retiring too, "The building isn't located on an Air Force Base and in a post 9/11 environment, you have to meet certain standards which cannot be met by Department of Defense, when we're not on base."

So on Sunday, members of this operation, past and present, plus their families came with heavy hearts to a deactivation ceremony. Sr. Master Sergeant Dennis Hapin, "Naturally I'd prefer to spend the rest of my career here, but the air force has seen fit to close the unit. I have to find someplace else to go." Senior Master Sergeant Dennis Hapin will transfer to Andrews Air Force base next month Others have decided to retire with the unit.

Chief Master Sergeant Peter Stidham, "We went places and did things, this unit would not be the unit it is, without you guys." Susan Stidham is his wife, "Because this is where he's been and he's not very happy about it, but what can you do.." Senior Master Sergeant Philip Price says it's bittersweet.

Price stated, "Thank you for your support, we don't get to be who we are without you." But he's looking forward to sharpening his skiing and golf game.

Price added, "The valley is going to miss on us, but me retiring is a great thing. I've waited all these years to retire." And for those already there, they didn't want to miss the goodbye.

Carl Rittinger served here from 1962 to 1968. Rittinger told WBRE News, "It's a sad day, turn up the flag for this. Here 50 years, a lot of men went through here, so it's happy and sad."

The operation deactivates officially October first The Marine Reserves Center located next door to the 92nd will take over the facility when the 92nd is gone.
 


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