Feb. 28, 2017
HARRISBURG – Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton), a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in the Pennsylvania National Guard, has been ordered to report for duty at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Ala., for about a month beginning April 16.
“It is an honor to serve my communities, Commonwealth and country,” said Mako, who has been called to serve in the critical role of tactical air combat operations staff. “We don’t get to pick and choose when duty calls, but rest assured, the needs of our district’s residents remain my top priority. My veteran staff and I will ensure our constituents remain my primary mission.”
Tactical air combat operations staff upload up-to-date maps and classified information into the aircraft to prepare for a mission. This critical step allows pilots and air crews to complete their mission successfully and identify threats during flights.
“We salute Rep. Mako for answering the call to duty and continuing his selfless service for the people of the 183rd Legislative District,” said House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny).
A Chief Warrant Officer 2 and a combat veteran with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, Fort Indiantown Gap, Mako enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in January 2008 and has been a Chinook pilot since July 2011. He was deployed to Afghanistan in December 2012 for nine months in Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2016, he was selected to be an adviser to Estonia’s top military officials.
To view Rep. Mako’s comments, click here.
The 183rd District includes South Whitehall (part), Washington and Whitehall (part) townships and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County. It also consists of Allen, Lehigh and Moore (part) townships, and North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs in Northampton County.
Representative Zachary Mako
183rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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