Crestview High School adopts 179th Airlift Wing Published Oct. 23, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Holli Snyder 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs ASHLAND, Ohio -- Crestview High School adopted the 179th Airlift Wing as part of Operation Buckeye Guard, a local grassroots movement in the State of Ohio. This is the first time an Air National Guard unit has been a part of this community based partnership. "This unbelievable partnership shows a great connectedness not only in their [students] daily lives, but outside as well. It allows us to connect with these guard members in a special way," said Bill Cedar, Superintendent for Crestview schools. Members of the 179th AW were invited to attend the Crestview versus Norwalk St. Paul football game Friday night to be honored by the students, teachers, fans and players. Players on both teams wore decals representing the 179th AW, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the American flag. The student section and cheerleaders also wore Ohio Air National Guard temporary tattoos to show their support. "We're a school in the middle of nowhere and seeing all the students get excited about this event was just amazing. All the students were wearing their camouflage and couldn't wait to be a part of this event," said Lauren Vipperman, a senior at Crestview High School and future Air National Guard member. Operation Buckeye Guard began when the Mohawk football team, under head coach Erik Baker, decided to adopt the Tiffin based Charlie Company, 1-148th Infantry, 37th IBCT. They wanted to show their support and thank National Guard members for all they do and have done in the past. Mohawk players wore decals on their helmets representing the 37th IBCT and American flags to support the soldiers. AmeriCorps Vista and 179th AW Family Programs volunteer, Sherry Vipperman, wanted a way to impact the 179th AW and local community through local service projects and came across Operation Buckeye Guard. She did the research and spoke with Baker about opening up the program to ANG units, also. There were plans in place for outreach to the ANG units across the state next year, but Baker gave his blessing for the 179th AW to be the first. "This shows the huge success of a grass roots movement to support our military members. That is why I had chosen to incorporate this program for my 'Make a Difference' service project," said Vipperman. Vipperman contacted Rhonda Carey, a secretary at Crestview High School and the cheerleading coach, to discuss the project. As a result, Crestview school leaders chose to be the first school to adopt an ANG unit in Ohio. "In the area, there are many young men and women who do not have a great role model, and this partnership can allow for them to have someone to look up to," said Carey. Retired Air Force Col. Charlie Daugherty, former 179th AW Maintenance Group Commander, was present to officiate the coin toss at the beginning of the game. Col. Gary McCue, 179th AW Base Commander, was also on hand to present a wing coin to both team's head coaches. Wing coins are traditionally given to those individuals who demonstrate excellence, which is one of the Air Force's three core values. "This is such a great opportunity for our members, students and faculty at Crestview. We have many guardsmen and women who have children attending this school so it makes it extra special for us to be a part of this. I'd like to thank Crestview faculty and students for their tremendous support," said Col. Michael Howard, Vice Wing Commander for the 179th AW. Recruiters from the 179th AW worked closely with the school to donate the use of the ANG inflatable helmet for the players to run through, as well as a smoke machine and ANG memorabilia to distribute during the game. To date, there are over 350 schools that support Ohio guardsmen and women across the state as a part of Operation Buckeye Guard. This movement has gained momentum and is being considered in states such as Michigan and Kentucky. Crestview came out the evening victor by defeating Norwalk St. Paul 28-24 in an exciting game. There are plans to continue the 179th AW adoption throughout the remaining school year and to continue support through other sports seasons. "At the end of the year, we hope to be able to give back to the kids who have supported this wing all year long by doing some kind of activity that involves them and the wing members," said Vipperman. For more information about Operation Buckeye Guard, visit www.Mohawklocal.org