Bryan Hardesty Challanges the Lions

Bryan Hardesty, of the 2nd Battalion 174th Air Defense Artillery, gave an outstanding account of his 18 month deployment in Washington D.C. Since 9/11 there has been an Air Defense Network system established in Washington to make sure a 9/11 event will not happen again. Part of the new Avenger System includes specially designed mobile vehicles with dual attached mechanisms for shooting stinger missiles and high powered machine guns. His unit and many others have gone through extremely intense training for this safety system. A new Sentinel Radar System is also in place and this entire operation is part of the Joint Air Defense Command which includes the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Secret Service. Their jobs include detecting, deterring, diverting, or destroying any unknown aircraft entering secured sectors. Bryan praised the Army wives, husbands and families who have to take over all the duties back home while their spouses are gone. He was proud to state that the Ohio National Guard is at 100% presently. He had high praise for the citizens of Ohio and especially Cambridge. While in D.C. with numerous protestors and the media, only 2 people told him thanks for what he was doing. One person said he pitied him. Returning back to Ohio and Cambridge he is thanked continuously on a daily basis for his dedication to the safety of our country. Numerous other stories and accounts of his service in D.C. were covered during the meeting and a standing ovation by all Lions in attendance was given to Bryan upon his conclusion. Bryan is the branch manager of National City Bank on Woodlawn Ave. in Cambridge.
Pictured are Program Chairperson Lion Benjamin Cahoon (left) and Bryan Hardesty.