Fulton County Ohio Media

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This past Friday morning, ahead of the official Veterans Day on Monday, November 11^th, the Swanton Local School District honored local military veterans with a celebration held at the high school.  Swanton educator, Joe Nye, served as Master of Ceremonies and introduced the keynote speakers, Swanton residents Senior Master Sergeant (SMSGT) Derek Kania and retired Master Sergeant (MSGT) Cathleen Kania.  Derek and Cathleen (Cat) are husband and wife, having met while both were deployed in Iraq from different military units, and reside in Swanton. 

Below are their bios that were contained in the event’s program:

Derek Kania (SMSGT) – Senior Master Sergeant Kania is a highly experienced and dedicated leader currently serving as Operations Superintendent of the 108^th Security Forces Squadron.  With a team of 75 personnel under his charge, he expertly manages the operations of three shifts, totaling 39 individuals assigned to the full-time force.  He has also been assigned to the 927^th and 914^th Security Forces Squadron, providing him with a unique perspective and understanding of how other operations operate and achieve their goals.  SMSgt Kania’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the field are the result of his diverse background, which includes serving as a Combat Arms instructor and program manager, as well as the Unit Deployment Manager and Supply NCO.

Additionally, he has served as a pre-deployment instructor at Fort Bliss (El Paso), Texas, training individuals to go overseas.  SMSgt Kania’s experience also includes numerous deployments to locations such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, as well as time spent at the MAJCOM level as a member of the Future operations Cell in Ramstein, Germany.  His dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the 180^th Security Forces Squadron and the United Staes Air Force.  Derek is also serving as member of the Village Council in Swanton, currently as President of the Council.

Cathleen Kania (Retired MSGT) – Retired Master Sergeant Cathleen Kania enlisted in the Air Force Reserves on April 5, 2002.  Earlyin her career, Cathleen played pivotal roles in various significant operations, including Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  In Iraq, she worked as a Tactical Automated Security System Operator.  While there she monitored a 16-kilometer perimeter with over 190 sensors, ensuring the security of $16 million in equipment and the safety of 5,000 Coalition Forces.  Throughout her career, Cathleen exhibited exceptional leadership and organizational acumen.  In January of 2016, MSgt Kania deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.  In Kuwait, she was assigned to review and completely rewrite the Installation Defense Plan, a critical document which outlined the security protection operations to ensure the safety and security of over 2,100 Coalition personnel on the installation.

Cathleen’s commitment to her peers continued at the 180^th Fighter Wing, where she excelled as a Unit Training Manager for the Maintenance Squadron and then a Unit Career Advisor for the Security Forces Squadron, providing guidance on re-enlistments and career development.  Retiring after a remarkable tenure, Cathleen leaves a legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her fellow Airmen, community and the mission of the Air Force.  “Cat” also owns and operates CK Sweets, a Coffee and Bake Shop on Main Street in Swanton.

Click on the link above to access photos from the event. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: SMSgt Derek Kania addresses the crowd as his wife, retired MSgt Cathleen “Cat” Kania waits to speak next.