Awards Ceremonies

Awards Ceremonies ARNG is Freedom Salute ANG is Hometown Heroes Salute Information on both follows Awards and names are different, honors, and heartfelt gratitude remains the same Although the awards ceremonies are called by different names, they were both put in place to honor our Nation’s returning Heroes. While the Hometown Heroes Salute and Freedom Salute are not a required part of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, many teams find it advantageous to coordinate with the units and provide space to hold the awards ceremonies during the YRRP scheduled events.

Freedom Salute Program Each Soldier is presented with the following: First deployment: an American flag in a wood display case, a Defender of freedom certificate, Defender of Freedom Medallion and a commemorative coin. Second deployment: a Freedom Ring. The Soldier’s Spouse will be honored with a mantle clock. Third deployment or multiple deployments: Each eligible soldier will be recognized for their third deployment by the Freedom Salute Brass Plaque. Each plaque has a commemorative coin at the top and a place to personalize their plaque by inserting a 4x6 photo of their choosing.

Hometown Heroes Salute ANG-wide recognition program requested by TAGs and EFAC Honors Airmen who have deployed for 30 or more consecutive days, away from home station, in support of contingency operations, CONUS/OCONUS ANG Director/Command Chief Master Sergeant Championed Launched to the field Jan 09 Honors Airman, Airman’s family and Center of Influence (COI) Family: Spouse/Significant Other, Children Center of Influence (COI): Anyone the member designates as influence/support (i.e., clergy, employer, Uncle, etc.) HHS website launched1 Apr 09: https://airguard.ang.af.mil/hometownheroessalute Awards will be implemented in two phases Phase I: “Catch-Up” 2009 – Honor all eligible ANG members from 9/11/01 through 12/31/08, anticipate 70,000+ eligible members Phase II: Commences Jan 2010 – Eligibility timeline starts from 1 Jan 09 Family members and COI’s honored both Phases 4

Honorees may receive one of the following three tiered awards: Hometown Heroes Salute Honorees may receive one of the following three tiered awards: 1st Tier: 2nd Tier: 3rd Tier: Framed American Flag with Hometown Heroes Salute Coin. Eagle Statue with Hometown Heroes Salute Coin Framed Hometown Heroes Salute Coin with Letter of Appreciation signed by the ANG Director and Command Chief Master Sergeant. (366+ consecutive days) (180 – 365 consecutive days) (30 – 179 consecutive days) Honored Family members and Centers of Influence will receive the following Center of Influence (COI): Spouse or Significant other: Children: HHS Logo engraved Rosewood Pen/Pencil Set. HHS Logo engraved Dog Tags HHS Logo Medallion.