Hank Beck Named to Friends of the 106th Board

The Board of Directors of The Friends of the 106th Rescue Wing at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach has elected Hank Beck as its newest member.  Beck, has long been active in raising support for the 106th, and was former chairman of the Gabreski Rescue Initiative Partnership.  As leader of that group, he spearheaded the successful fight to keep the Air National Guard unit at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, when it was threatened with a move to Rockland County under the 2005-2006 Government Base Realignment and Closure program.

 "We had the support of the entire Long Island delegation," Beck said of the efforts to save the 106th Rescue Wing.  "One of my important goals is keeping the public abreast of the importance of the 106th rescue unit."  He praised the combat rescue pilots and the work they do.  "These are the guys that go behind enemy lies to rescue combat pilots," he said.  Combat rescue pilots are often sent to rescue sites in the ocean and the mountains as well.  They also fly down the Atlantic coast to be at the ready during space shuttle launches. 

Beck is a resident of Westhampton and is currently the chairman of the Hamptons Visitors Council and is co-chair of the CAC-West.  He has dedicated much of his time to the 106th Rescue Wing and calls it a necessity for Long Island due the role it plays in our economy, safety and security.  "It's import because it represents about 1,200 jobs — the second largest employer on Long Island," he said.  "That payroll is about sixty million dollars.  Economic impact is about one-hundred-and-ten million dollars on long island.

The Friends of the 106th Rescue Wing, based in Westhampton Beach, New York is a not- for-profit organization committed to offering support to members of the 106th and their families; encouraging community support and coordinating local events for 106th members and families. There is no cost to become a member of the Friends of the 106th.  It has nearly 4,000 members.  To become a member, visit www.friendsofthe106.org.