JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Sept. 11, 2001. A day that reverberates in history, a day that lives in the hearts and minds of all Americans, a day that is not and will not be forgotten by all that lived its horror.
Around the world, men and women from the United States of America commemorated the ninth anniversary of Sept. 11 in many different ways, from tributes to memorials. One crew of Airmen joined in remembrance and took flight with more than 350 American flags flown for others in memory of the Sept. 11 events.
The crew of four, from the 16th Airlift Squadron here on Joint Base Charleston, had been on the 'road' for nearly two weeks when they landed and were told they would be flying the hundreds of flags over the area of responsibility.
"We were on our way to the plane when our vehicle driver told us we would be flying a bunch of flags for Sept. 11," said Master Sgt. Rodney Rutz, loadmaster from the 16 AS, "[it was] quite honorable to be able to do that for everybody."
The actual mission was not unlike any other, moving 125,000 pounds of Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected All-Terrain Vehicles to bases in Afghanistan. But, the context, and meaning behind the mission was much greater.
"I've flown flags before, but never in that quantity," said aircraft commander Capt. Zachary Coburn. "A lot of people think it's neat to fly flags for other people, especially on such a historic day. It was a very humbling experience, I felt very honored to have that opportunity."
Aerial porters, maintainers and other volunteers lent a helping hand in hanging the many flags along the sides of the C-17 Globemaster III, and much of the air base came out to see the aircrew off. Flags came from all over the base and were flown for a variety of different individuals or organizations around the world such as fire departments, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion as well as for families and friends of those on base. Some were even specifically flown in loving memory of individuals that gave their lives on that fateful day.
"Everyone wants a flag flown for themselves, or for their family members," said Sergeant Rutz. "To members who have served before, it means a lot to get something like that."
The crew, including 1st Lt. Nathaniel Yarolimek, Tech. Sgt. Augustin Nalsen and Sergeant Rutz, under the direction of Captain Coburn, flew 74 hours total during their 21-day trip, moving 1.3 million pounds and a large quantity of M-ATVs. Their efforts highlighted just one of the many examples of the great things Airmen are doing to keep the United States of America free from all that aim to harm her.
"Events like this spotlight the sacrifices our most valuable treasure ... our Airmen and their families, continue to make each and every day in response to the vicious attacks of Sept. 11, a struggle we have undertaken with vigor and conviction for nine years, and will continue to do so until the threat of a reoccurrence has vanished," said Col. Robert Holba, 437th Operations Group commander. "The flight also provided a great opportunity to remember the lives lost during the Sept. 11 events, and to honor the families and friends of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice . . . they are not forgotten."