ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Today marks Military Spouse Appreciation Day and the 1st Helicopter Squadron did just that during a recent spouse flight over the nation's capital.
"This is an official Air Force program," said 1st Lt. Nate Jones, 1 HS Assistant Current Operations Flight chief. "The USAF conducts orientation flights to ensure a better understanding of a particular weapons system and its role. In this case, these flights are designed to familiarize military spouses with the unit aircraft and mission and to enhance their understanding of the military member's role and contribution to the Air Force mission."
Approximately 25 spouses flew on eight flights following the helicopter route in the National Capital Region. "The spouses saw many of the monuments and landmarks that make Washington, D.C., so unique," said Lieutenant Jones.
Agnes Valdez, wife of Master Sgt. Leo Valdez, 1 HS Flight Engineer flight chief and a military spouse for six months said, "We flew where the Nationals stadium is located. I was surprised by how cool my husband's job is -- it's awesome!"
Melanie Dennison, wife of Master Sgt. Kirk Dennison, agreed noting, "The area that my husband flies daily is a place most people have never seen from above. The part I liked about the spouse's flight was seeing the national monuments--without the crowds and having to walk!"
Lieutenant Jones said the spouse's flight is important because it provides an opportunity for the spouse to gain more insight into the mission and environment in which the unit and military member operate.
Plus, notes Lieutenant Jones, "We are grateful for their support and very appreciative of their sacrifices. The mission is unique, demanding and very important. We take the mission seriously and we're professional in execution."
The 1HS flies about 4,600 sorties each year and has amassed a 230,000 accident-free flying hours record. "We have a robust and dynamic flight operation," said Lieutenant Jones. "The unit is integral to the wing's mission of providing a contingency response capability to the National Capital Region."