USAFWS Airmen volunteer to honor community heroes Published Sept. 12, 2012 By Master Sgt. Larnique Mickens and Tech. Sgt. Dawn Thompson United States Air Force Weapons School NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Airmen from the United States Air Force Weapons School supported the 17th Brigade Army National Guard and the 4th Annual Horses4Heroes "Red White and Blue Jeans Walk-Trot Spectacular" Sept. 7-9. Acting on behalf of the USAFWS's Weapons School Foundation, a program designed to support the Nellis and local communities through volunteer and sponsoring efforts demonstrating the "Service before Self" core value through caring for people, the Airmen helped set up the event, managed schedules and provided inspirational support to participants. "The Weapons School is charged with transforming and inspiring our nation's combat power," said Col. Robert Garland, the USAFWS commandant. "I am humbled and proud daily to work alongside incredible Airmen who believe caring for others and inspiring someone to be their best is everything. That is the true definition of 'Service before Self.'" This community open-breed horse show was touted as the "biggest little horse show" in Las Vegas, offering participants the opportunity to try horse shows in a safe environment. All participants received a collectible participant ribbon and first-place award-winners received gift cards donated by local retailers and restaurants. According to show organizer and 99th Force Support Squadron Honorary Commander and Nellis Support Team member Sydney Knott, the goal of this event was to recognize and honor our servicemen and women as well as others in the service of our communities. During this year's Nevada National Guard Family Appreciation Day event, active duty military, returning combat veterans, wounded warriors, and their families enjoyed free activities, pony rides, bounce houses, animal feedings, petting zoo, face painting, balloon shapes, and free food and drink. Airmen from the USAFWS donated their time, experience and leadership to help others reach for their dreams. Some were judges during the event, while more than a dozen members of the school actually participated in the competition. According to their website, Horses4Heroes, Inc., headquartered in Las Vegas, was founded in 2006 to enrich lives, empower local youth and their families, and honor heroes in the community - including active-duty military, veterans, wounded warriors, and first responders - by providing affordable to free recreational, instructional and health & wellness equestrian programs and activities for all ages and all riding levels, one horseback ride at a time. Motivated by the tragic events of 9/11, the Horses4Heroes organization was created to say "thank you" to the men and women whose daily sacrifices keep us safe.
