Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station to host 25-year Desert Storm reunion

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Members of the 914th Airlift Wing will host a reunion for 25th anniversary of the unit's return from Operation Desert Storm on Saturday, April 9, at the Fuzzy Bison Lounge located on the base.

This social event is expected to draw close to 100 veterans who deployed with the unit, as well as their friends and families. Attendees are encouraged to bring artifacts and items to display, such as photo albums and uniforms from their experience. Additionally, there will be VCRs and other media devices on hand to help enrich the experience

"April 10, 1991, is the date that our airmen returned home from a seven-month deployment to the Middle East," said Lt. Col Mark Ables, 914 AW IGI. "So we're inviting airmen that participated, spouses that supported from home, and anyone who's interested in sharing stories, photos and raising a drink."

The reunion is scheduled to be attended by Col. Brian Bowman, who assumed command of the 914th in February. Food and refreshments will be served. A $10 donation will be accepted at the door to help fund this event, as well as similar events in the future.

"We want to celebrate a huge accomplishment by the 914th Airlift Wing," said Ables, who is one of the event coordinators and was a pilot during this time. "This deployment helped change the way the Air Force Reserve operated. It was the first time the majority of the unit was tasked on a large scale for long period of time."