Military units work and train close by

Looking across the airfield from the PDX terminal, it's apparent there's a military presence, with fighter jets, uniformed personnel and military vehicles coming and going around the clock. It's a busy place. Who are these airport neighbors? Who works there?

The 142nd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard is the "host" organization. It is part of the Western Air Defense System and has been an integral part of the nation's air defense since 1941, starting out as the 123rd Observation Squadron. The wing participates around the globe deploying in support of Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom, as well as supporting the local community during natural disasters. The wing is made up of a wing headquarters and four groups, all needed to complete these missions: operations, maintenance, mission support, and medical.

But they aren't the only ones here at PDX. The 142nd shares space with other Oregon Air Guard units; currently the tenants are the 125th Special Tactics Squadron and the 123rd Weather Flight. Other tenants include the Air Force Reserve 304th Rescue Squadron, the 366th OL-A Communications detachment, and the Alpha Company 641st Aviation Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard.

According to Maj. Misti Mazzia, spokesperson for the 142nd Fighter Wing, approximately 1,400 personnel work at the PDX base. Mazzia said, "People are sometimes surprised to learn how expansive our work is, that it includes civil engineering, communications, logistics, environmental management, aircraft maintenance, security, flight training, medical care, finance, contracting, and more. We are Oregon's first line of military response to domestic emergencies. Also, our men and women participate in community programs such as the Sunshine Division Food Drive, Special Olympics, patriotic holiday flyovers, and the annual Camp Rosenbaum, a youth citizenship camp for high risk children.”

Air National Guard members are part of the community with many traditional part-time members who are, to name a few, teachers, policemen, fire fighters and airline pilots.

Holidays Take Flight at PDX; JetBlue gives away tickets

Once again it’s time for the annual Holidays Take Flight at PDX, Nov. 16 – Jan. 3. The event fills the airport with live musical entertainment, promotions, demonstrations, food and wine samplings and a drawing for airline tickets.

As part of the Holidays Take Flight festivities, JetBlue Airways is celebrating its new nonstop service to Long Beach, Calif.  Two lucky winners of a drawing will each receive a pair of tickets from PDX to any round trip, nonstop service operated by JetBlue.

Joining the fun for the first time in the Oregon Market is the Columbia Sportswear store, opening mid-November.

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