POST FALLS - An Idaho Air National Guard attack aircraft has been dedicated to the city of Post Falls.

One of the 124th Fighter Wing's A-10 planes was dedicated to the city during a ceremony at Gowen Field in Boise on Thursday.

The "Pride of Post Falls" nose art on the plane depicts the state in blue, waterfalls, a star where Post Falls is located and the year 1871, which is when German immigrant Frederick Post constructed a lumber mill along the Spokane River.

"Often we think of the individual sacrifice that comes with serving one's country and state," said Col. Timothy Donnellan, 124th Fighter Wing commander, "but the burden easily overlooked is the one left here at home in communities, businesses and families across the nation in times of the service member's absence. All are left to function minus a key member and it takes a community coming together to ensure things stay on track."

Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson, City Administrator Shelly Enderud and Public Services Director Russ Connole came to the ceremony while in Boise to attend the Association of Idaho Cities meeting.

"The base commander stated that they choose the cities based on our support of military personnel and veterans," Jacobson said. "He reiterated the fact that they are citizen soldiers with jobs outside the Guard and the support given them by our communities and our businesses is critical.

"One of the pilots explained the weapons the plane uses and it was absolutely amazing. It was very impressive to see the number of Guard personnel in attendance at the ceremony."

Staff Sgt. T.J. Serafin, who unveiled the art with Jacobson, said Idaho has a lot of smaller, tight-knit communities that widely support those serving in the military. This is a way to say thanks, he said.

"Some people believe that if they're not from Boise that we forget about them, but we don't," Serafin said. "It's the Idaho Air National Guard, not the Boise Air National Guard. We want to make sure that everybody feels included."

Historically, combat flying squadrons have used nose art to personalize combat aircraft and boost unit morale. Artwork was in high demand during World War II and extravagant creations highlighted unit pride and cohesion.

In this tradition, the United States Air Force allows specialized artwork for aircraft that is distinctive and symbolic to enhance unit morale.

More than 1,300 Air National guardsman from across Idaho support the mission of the A-10 through either full-time or part-time participation in military readiness training. They support both the federal combat mission of the 124th Fighter Wing and the state of Idaho's military mission as directed by the governor and led by the adjutant general.

Post Falls joins the cities of Boise, Meridian and Pocatello in the honor. Each of the 21 planes assigned to Gowen Field will eventually honor an Idaho community.