80 U.S. Air Force Reservists Return Western New York After Extended Middle East Deployment

Nearly 80 members of the 914th Air Refueling Wing from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station have returned home after an extended deployment of about 130 days in the Middle East, originally planned for 90 days. The reservists, many of whom are traditional reservists balancing civilian jobs, were welcomed with emotional reunions involving family and friends, highlighting the personal challenges of deployment, especially for those with children. Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Ables shared his experience of the deployment and the complexity of mid-air refueling missions, while Captain Zachary Sexton praised the team's efforts in maintaining aging aircraft under harsh conditions. Operations Group Commander Jay Butterfield emphasized the importance of mental health support as reservists transition back to civilian life, noting the challenges of adjusting after time away. The unit plans to celebrate their successful mission before preparing for future deployments. Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about the 914th Wing at upcoming events such as the Air Show in June 2026.