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Team Fairchild celebrates Veterans Day with local community

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Larry W. Carpenter Jr
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Members of Spokane's local community had the opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day with some very special guests. The civilian guests included the Honorable Ryan C. Crocker, former Ambassador to Iraq and Afghanistan, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington's 5th district, and Mayor Mary Verner, city of Spokane.

The Air Force was represented by Col. Robert Thomas, 92d Air Refueling Wing commander, Col. Tim Bush 92d Air Refueling Wing vice commander and Chief Master Sgt. David Nordel, 92d Air Refueling Wing command chief.

The crowd was filled with Veterans from Korea, Vietnam and America's most recent combat zones of Iraq and Afghanistan as the festivities kicked off with the posting of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem.

Highlighting the event was the award ceremony for four United States servicemen. Master Sgt. Edward A. Tillman, 92nd Security Forces Squadron superintendent of logistics and readiness, and Master Sgt. Theron L. Rumsey, 92nd SFS operations superintendent, received Bronze Star Medals for their work in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"It's a great personal honor on this Veterans Day/Armistice Day from the great war to recognize a combat service to the nation of two non-commissioned officers of the United States Air Force," said Colonel Thomas.

Also, Army Master Sgt. David M. Johnson and Army Staff Sgt. Lawrence Jefferson each received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the war on terrorism. Sgt. Lawrence actually received his while on his way to pick up the Ambassador Crocker while he was in Afghanistan.

The crowd had the pleasure to listen to Ambassador Crocker speak on this day of remembrance. He has spent time as the Ambassador to Iraq and Aghanistan, and was even in Iraq last year during Veterans Day therefore he has a first hand understanding of what our men and women in uniform are facing.

"Its Veterans Day, it's a day for two simple words, 'thank you'," said Ambassador Crocker. " Thank you to our veterans, thank you to those who serve on active duty and a profound thank you to the gold star families who have given all that any family could ever give for our country."

The Mayor of Spokane was on hand and on behalf of herself and the city of Spokane, dedicate Wed. November 11, 2009 as Veterans Day in the City of Spokane. Mayor Verner took her opportunity at the podium to say thanks as well.

"It's a great honor for me to be among so many patriots and warriors and thank you all for taking the time today to pause and remember and express our appreciation," Mayor Verner said. "There are so many who are willing to serve to protect our freedoms and insure our safety."

The Mayor said that reflecting on past events it's clearer than ever why we must take time to honor our veterans and that Spokane has always supported our service men and women and our veterans

The ceremony came to an end with the playing of taps and a 21-gun salute, paying final respects to Americas fallen brothers and sisters.