Cheney thanks Fairchild Airmen for support

WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Vice President Richard B. Cheney told servicemembers gathered at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., they are playing a key role in the war on terrorism and that their countrymen believe in them and their mission.

The vice president visited the home of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing April 17 and told a gathering of about 600 Airmen and other servicemembers they are helping prevent the spread of terrorism around the world and protecting the United States.

Fairchild's 50 active duty and eight Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and their crews support operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle and other missions around the world.

These refuelers operate largely behind the scenes, keeping other Air Force aircraft in the air, said Maj. Carol Gering, 92nd ARW public affairs officer.

Other major units at Fairchild are the Air National Guard's 141st Air Refueling Wing, the Air Force Survival School, the 36th Rescue Flight and the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency's Personnel Recovery Academy.

Vice President Cheney told the servicemembers that they are vital to the global war under way.

"The war on terror goes on," he said. "Thanks to you, it's a war we're going to win."

More than 450 Fairchild Airmen are deployed to Southwest Asia, including refuelers, civil engineers, security forces and survival experts from the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape School, Major Gering said.

Vice President Cheney told the servicemembers conditions on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan -- not artificial timetables set by politicians in Washington, D.C. -- will determine when the mission is completed.

"The only way to lose this fight is to quit, and that is not an option," he told the group.

Terrorist attacks aren't caused by using strength, but rather, by the appearance of weakness, he said. He vowed that the United States will remain strong and see the war through to victory. That drew applause and hoots from the crowd.

"The president and I want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do for the United States," he said. "America believes in you."

Major Gering called the vice president's speech a welcome message for the base.

"It's nice to be recognized for the role we play in supporting the mission," she said. "Because they perform a support role, our airmen are largely unsung heroes. So it's really great to see them acknowledged and publicly thanked. Because without tankers, the whole rest of the operation (in support of the terror war) couldn't exist."

During the rally, the vice president officiated at the re-enlistment of 18 Airmen, Soldiers and Marines.