During the recent 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Western Army National Guard Aviation Training Site Battalion (WAATS), held at the J.W. Marriott Star Pass Resort, the American Legion Oro Valley Post and Auxiliary Unit 132 were presented with the Outstanding Community Partner award. The award is in recognition of their years of support, care and assistance of the soldiers of the WAATS and their families. The Oro Valley Post and Unit were nominated for the award by Kim Ward-Morelos of the WAATS Family Readiness Group. Kim read the award description to more than 400 soldiers and guests. The award was presented by the WAATS Deputy Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Gaver to Post Commander Ed Davis and Post Chaplain Bob Taub and their wives Onita and Judy, both members of the auxiliary.
The WAATS, located at the Marana Aviation Heli-Port facility, is the training center for National Guard pilots learning to fly a variety of rotary-wing aircraft. The WAATS Battalion consists of more than 300 Arizona Army National Guard members including pilots, ground and maintenance personnel and support staff.
Since 2012, members of the Post and Auxiliary have volunteered over 400 hours in support of Battalion events and functions and provided over $11,000 of emergency financial aid for needs such as airfare for soldiers and spouses to attend funeral of a parent, rent and utility payments, vehicle and home repairs, grocery and fuel gift cards and school clothing and supplies.
“It has been our privilege to know and to support the dedicated and professional soldiers of the WAATS and their supportive and loving families,” said Ed Davis, Commander of the American Legion Oro Valley Post 132.
For further information about the American Legion Oro Valley Post 132, contact Steve Didio at 520-219-9997 or [email protected]; website: http://www.OVAmericanLegion132.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OVAmericanLegionPost132