Happy 377th Birthday to the National Guard!For nearly four centuries, the men…

Happy 377th Birthday to the National Guard!

For nearly four centuries, the men and women of the NG have defended our nation and communities. As current overseas contingency operations come to a close and fiscal constraints tighten, the NG is postured to rise to new challenges. The fundamental mission of the NG remains the same – Defend America at home and abroad.
The NG will continue to provide flexible, tailored and community-based solutions to domestic response and remain a critical reserve component for the United States Army and Air Force

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Happy 377th Birthday to the National Guard!

For nearly four centuries, the men…

1947-2012 "From its inception as a pace-setting fighter squadron during World Wa…

1947-2012
"From its inception as a pace-setting fighter squadron during World War II to the present role as the largest Air National Guard Special Operations flying unit, the 193rd Special Operations Wing has remained on the leading edge."

65 years of excellence for the 193rd Special Operations Wing and the units that came before us is documented in the 65th Anniversary yearbook. Copies are available in the wing public affairs office, $20.00 each and includes a DVD of the previously printed 50th Anniversary yearbook. Call or stop by and pick up your copy.

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1947-2012
"From its inception as a pace-setting fighter squadron during World Wa…

Shawn Michael Kovach

It is with great sadness that we post this obituary. Our best to Mike Kovach and his family.

MSgt Shawn Michael Kovach, 34, died Wednesday, February 3 at his home in Harrisburg after an illness. Kovach served in the U.S. Air Force from 1993 – 1999 and has been a member of the Air National Guard 193rd Special Operations Wing, Middletown, PA, from 1999 to-date. Most recently, he served as a Loadmaster Instructor. Kovach was a decorated veteran, having been deployed in Haiti, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, England, and elsewhere worldwide.
A 1993 graduate of Central Dauphin East High School and a 2003 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, Kovach’s military achievements included: Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Aerial Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with valor device with three oak leaf clusters; the Combat Readiness Medal; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal; the National Defense Service Medal with one service star; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal with one service star; Humanitarian Service Medal with two service stars; Air Force Longevity Service with one oak leaf cluster; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one “M” device; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one service star; Air Force Training Ribbon; and NATO Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Rissmiller Kovach; his father and his wife, SMSgt Michael S. and Kristie L. Kovach of Grantville; his mother, Sandra K. Witmer of Harrisburg; his paternal grandparents, Edward and Rose Kovach of Harrisburg; maternal grandparents Donald and Arlene Witmer of Harrisburg; brothers Michael S. Kovach, Jr. and Kurtis B. Kovach; sisters Stephanie Bilonick and her husband Timothy; Michelle French, Kaitlynn Kovach; his father-in-law and his wife, Barry and Carla Rissmiller of Elizabethtown; his mother-in-law, Teresa Rissmiller of Elizabethtown; his sister-in-law, Jami Zimmerman and husband, Mark; and his grandparents through marriage, Ralph and Virginia Rissmiller of Elizabethtown, and Robert and Kathryn Bowers, deceased; many aunts, uncles, and cousins who dearly loved, respected, and adored him. Most important to Shawn were his wife and family, duty and country.
Kovach will be buried with full military honors at the National Cemetery at Fort Indiantown Gap on Monday, February 8. Services will be held at the Gap’s Building 880 and will include: viewing/visitation from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; service from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.; and interment at 2:00 p.m.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Kovach’s honor to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 13483, Tampa, FL 33681-3483, or at www.specialops.org.
Online condolences may be shared at www.trefzandbowser.com