Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. “Any way that I can give back and serve my country and its citizens is my privilege and my honor.” Wes Marion, 434th Air Refueling Wing command chief.
“The United States has given me so many opportunities and freedoms that many people don’t have,” said Chief Master Sgt. People who sacrificed their own ambitions so that others would not have to sacrifice theirs.”īeing a veteran means something different to each person who served but no matter what their job might have been or where they served all veterans share one thing, the pride that comes with their uniform. “A person who offered some of his or her life in the service of our country. “Each veteran is an ordinary and extraordinary human being,” said Shaw. Some have served without ever leaving the country, others have made the greatest sacrifice, but all of veterans made the choice to serve and they should all be celebrated for that. Veterans exist in all walks of life and have served in many capacities. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. (AFNS) - The day when nearly 70 bullets riddled his Sikorsky HH-3E 'Jolly Green Giant' rescue helicopter as his crew tried to save two Airmen during the Vietnam War remains vivid for retired Chief Master Sgt. “While it has evolved, the intent is still to remember and celebrate veterans, men and women of uncommon valor and their shared purpose to protect the constitution of the United States,” said Col. Instead of celebrating the end of one war it became a day to celebrate all those who serve and have served the United States. Over time the name changed as did what was being celebrated. Veterans Day began shortly after the end of World War I as Armistice Day. In honor of all those who have served, domestically and abroad, in all branches of the military Grissom wishes everyone a safe and happy Veterans Day. Veterans Day is an extra special day for Grissom, not only because Grissom is an Air Force Base but because almost all of our non-military staff is comprised of veterans, many of whom served here. However you choose to celebrate this Veterans Day – either by watching a parade, going to a public service or just hugging a family member who once wore a uniform – remember the point of the holiday: to honor all who served for their dedication and sacrifice.GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. Now, November 11 is known as Veterans Day to honor all military veterans, not just those who served during the Great War.
It was signed in to law by President Eisenhower, an original supporter of the idea when first lobbied by Weeks. Dwight Eisenhower.Ĭongress passed a bill establishing the holiday in 1954. Weeks led a delegation to Washington, D.C. A World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks had the idea to make the holiday apply to all who had served honorably in the U.S. In 1938, Congress made November 11 a federal holiday known as Armistice Day. WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFLCMC) – The 11 th hour of the 11 th day of the 11 th month marked the end of major fighting between World War I allies and Germany in 1918. Today, as in the past, AFLCMC Airmen and Guardians continue this legacy through their commitment and selfless service in the defense of freedom. To all veterans and to your families.Thank you for your courage and your sacrifice. In AFLCMC, whether at home or overseas, veterans have served proudly in our Armed Forces in honorable service and dedication to our nation, embodying the highest ideals of patriotism to our country. By Air Force Life Cycle Management Public Affairs