Col. James J. Keefe, of the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, pins the Legion of Merit medal on Southwick resident Col. Peter Green, right, during a Commanders Call at the base Saturday. Green is the 104th Fighter Wing’s Maintenance Group commander and was previously assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters of the Massachusetts National Guard as director of staff. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – Southwick resident Peter Green, a colonel with the 104th Fighter Wing, was among those honored during an awards, recognition, and change of command ceremony June 1.
Green, commander of the wing’s maintenance group, received the Legion of Merit award for the nearly four years he spent working as director of staff at the Joint Force Headquarters of the Massachusetts National Guard.
Green said he was honored by the award, which was given for his excellence in leadership and strategic planning and program execution.
“It’s nice to have individual recognition, but it represents the hard work of the joint guard,” said Green.
Green is a full-time member of the 104th and has more than 30 years experience as a member of the Air National Guard. Green’s father was in the Navy as a young man and after graduating from the former Trade High School in Springfield, Green considered joining the military.
“I wanted to do something more and someone mentioned this flying unit in Westfield,” said Green. “I checked it out and joined with a buddy of mine.”
Green worked in security forces and spent time as a traditional part-time guardsman, working for 10 years in the private sector. In 2006, the 49 year-old returned to the 104th full-time.
Reflecting on his time in the military, Green said he can trace so many good things in his life back to the day he joined the Air Guard. From his education, which includes a Master’s degree, to his career path, Green said he gives credit “to the day I raised my hand to join the guard.”
Although Green has more than enough time under his belt to put in for retirement, he’d not ready.
“I think there is more I can do,” he said.
As for the future of the Air National Guard, government sequesters and furloughs will have an effect, but the guard will take a front seat in the role of the military.
“I think the Air National Guard and reserves are well positioned,” said Green. “We already do everything as well or better than active duty.”
Staff Sgt. Robert Krider of Brookfield, Conn. received the Combat Action Medal Saturday, and several Meritorious Service Medals were awarded.
Two changes of command took place, with Maj. Matthew Mutti of East Longmeadow becoming the Squadron Commander of the Fore Support Squadron. Lt. Col. Kenneth Fedora of Southampton took command of the Operations Support Flight, part of the Operations Group.
Wing members were also recognized as Hometown Heroes for recent deployment, with Mayor Daniel M. Knapik and state Sen. Michael R, Knapik offering support along with families.
