A fourth generation Mahwah resident got an enthusiastic sendoff from family members, friends and longtime community residents after announcing his decision to join the US Air Force.

Daniel Alba, who graduated from Mahwah High School this June, left for the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas this Sunday. He will be in boot camp for two months, then hopes to move on to technical school, training, and a career of Air Force service. According to his mom, Debbie, the 19-year-old has been preparing for this for the past two years.

“My son is determined to do this,” Debbie Alba said. “He has his future planned out, and this is a part of it.”

Daniel has been attending training sessions with Air Force Recruiter Staff Sgt. Vincent Tallarico in Clifton once a month for the past two years.

Eventually, Alba wants to use his Air Force training to “build up to undercover work,” his mom said. “Then, he wants to open his own security company. He’s a determined kid, and I know he can do it all.”

Last month, Debbie gathered with other longtime Mahwah residents to throw a party in Daniel’s honor. Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet presented Alba with a township pin at the affair to recognize his decision to join the Air Force.

According to Debbie, the generosity of local residents and business helped make the party a success.

Two local bands, BoundAlive and ADI donated their time to play at the block party. Businesses that donated time or goods included Fabulous Events, Samson Sign Company, Mahwah’s Dollar Planet, Sublime in Ramsey, Raffaele’s Pizzeria in Pearl River, and Dr. Wechsler of Family Dental Care of Mahwah. Residents John Deming and Laurel Delescinski helped with the party planning.

“It was a wonderful party, and he deserved it,” Debbie said. “I am just really, really proud of my son.”

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