MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- It's the time of year when the nation's finest are recognized for their contributions to the security and freedom of the country.

The 446th Airlift Wing here has about 70 Reservists deployed overseas supporting global airlift, performing 44 percent of all C-17 Globemaster III missions leaving McChord Field.

Here are just a few Reservists from the 446th AW who have taken the Air Force Core Values to their limits, most of whom have multiple contingency deployments:

Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Harris, 446th Force Support Squadron, Sustainment Services Flight NCO in charge

Harris comes from a large family of veterans going back to the Korean War. The Bremerton, Wash. resident works as a human resources and leadership trainer at Bangor Naval Base. He's been with the 446th AW for 25 years and served on seven Air Expeditionary Force deployments at the port mortuary, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., the point of entry for the remains of servicemembers who are killed or die overseas.

"I'm proud to serve my country and proud to think about the people who came before me who served and protected this country," said the former Marine. "I'm even more honored to know there are people ready to serve. The great part is this is an all-volunteer force. Volunteers who protect the nation and we will wear that title forever. It's an honor knowing people are picking up the sword and shield to carry on service to this great nation. The country is in good hands."

Senior Master Sgt. Wendy Hutchins, 86th Aerial Port Squadron operations superintendent

This 19-year Reservist has served the nation with five deployments. She lives in Bothell, Wash. and works as a freight train conductor with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. She's set to deploy to Afghanistan in the future.

"I'm proud to serve," said Hutchins. "But I'd like to see more red, white, and blue outside of people's houses. I want to see more patriotism. I think that will help bring us back to being a whole country and move forward together instead of in separate directions."

Master Sgt. Kristy Wellman, 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron

This Tacoma, Wash. resident and fulltime medical technician has been in the Reserve for seven years. She's deployed four times in the last eight years, including her most recent deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq.

"My biggest point is the sacrifices men and women are making to support the country and our well being," said Wellman. "I'd like people to also focus on their families, who also make sacrifices when they deploy. They put the country ahead of themselves. I hope people think about them more than once a year," she added.

Tech. Sgt. Freddie Garza Jr., 446th Security Forces Squadron

When he isn't serving the country on Reserve weekends, Garza resides in Yakima, Wash. He's currently testing for a career in law enforcement at various agencies throughout Washington State. He recently returned from a deployment at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, where he distinguished himself by helping to ensure the security for almost 7,500 personnel in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I would like to thank the veterans before me, who paved the way, so we could be here today," said Garza. "I hope to follow those footsteps, even though they're big shoes to fill. They're the reason I serve."

Tech. Sgt. Robin Smith, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-17 crew chief

Smith has been a Reservist for 17 years and has spent seven with the 446th AW. As a civilian, he's been a functional test team lead with Boeing for 23 years. Last year, he deployed to Kuwait to work on C-17 aircraft.

"It's nice to see all of the support by the local population," said the Eatonville, Wash. resident. "It's always good to see men and women in uniform get a pat on the back as they're walking through the airport. It's a change from when I first enlisted, I'm not worried when I walk around in uniform in an airport or public now."

Tech. Sgt. Johnathan Tucker, 86th Aerial Port Squadron

Tucker hails from Everett, Wash. and works as a logistics supervisor with Philips Electronics in Seattle. The joint airlift inspector, who's been with the 446th AW since 2007, has been deployed three times. His most recent was at Balad Air Base, Iraq in 2009.

"As a society, we've come a long way on how veterans are treated," said Tucker. "That's a great thing to see. You get off of a plane and people are clapping for you. I think they deserve a thank you for recognizing us."

Staff Sgt. Pat Allen, 446th AMXS aerospace propulsion mechanic

All six of Allen's years in the military have been with the 446th AW. Along with being a full-time student at the University of Washington, he's an aircraft mechanic with Horizon Air. Like Smith, he also deployed last year to Kuwait.

"Veterans Day to me is a remembrance of every contingency and war we've had and honoring our vets," said the Seattle native. "This community has a large supportive population, especially being next door to (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Main). The community needs to know that we see and appreciate their support and are very thankful for it."