910th commander talks 'YARS' with Congressional delegates on Capitol Hill Published May 24, 2013 By Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr. 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs WASHINGTON -- Air Force Reserve Col. James Dignan, commander of the 910th Airlift Wing, based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS), Ohio, visited the congressional offices of 12 states during his Capitol Hill visit, May 15 and 16, 2013. Col. Dignan had the opportunity to discuss the 910th's mission as well as several issues concerning the unit and installation during scheduled visits with members of the Ohio and Pennsylvania Congressional delegations. The commander also 'dropped by' more than 30 different congressional offices representing the states of Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Utah over the course of two days. These visits highlighted the 910th's unique large-area, fixed-wing aerial spray capability. The commander wanted to make the legislators aware of the unit's one-of-a-kind mission in the Department of Defense (DoD). He also wanted to share what the 910th's mission brings to the Air Force Reserve, the DoD and how it contributes to the well-being of the populations of their states. "I want everyone to know what capability this 'hidden gem' in Northeast Ohio brings to all of these different states across the country. I want them to know about our unit, our installation, our mission and what it means to them," said Col. Dignan. The Air Force Reserve Capitol Hill Visit program enables wing commanders to meet annually with Congressmen representing their areas. The primary purpose of the program is to assist commanders in improving and building on relationships established with Congressional delegations and to increase their unit's visibility with members of Congress. To learn more about the 910th Airlift Wing's Aerial Spray Squadron, click on the following link: http://www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil/units/aerialspraysquadron/index.asp