CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Veteran's Day is a special day ... one set aside to remind us of the sacrifices and service of our veterans. Our veterans have raised their hand and volunteered to serve something greater than themselves: the United States of America. It focuses our attention to celebrate and honor America's veterans for their willingness to serve and their sacrifices.
While the idea of a world without war is appealing, the reality is our veterans have persevered through countless wars and operations. They have liberated oppressed peoples, ended genocide and toppled terrorist regimes. From the Revolutionary War to the current War on Terrorism, patriots from all walks of life have shared the common bond of their oath to defend this nation -- no matter the danger or the enemy. And for this, we owe them a debt of gratitude -- not just today, but every day.
We should remember our deceased veterans who gave the last full measure of service and have been laid to rest. We honor our living veterans, from World War I to the current conflicts. The nation has changed ... and the nature of warfare has changed. But make no mistake, today's veteran is still the same hero who has served our nation with honor through the years.
Remembering heroes like Frank Woodruff Buckles, our last surviving WWI veteran, is awe-inspiring. After joining the Army when he was 16 years old - he lied and said he was 21 - Private Buckles was sent to France to fight in the trenches. He endured horrible conditions, protected his fellow Soldiers, bravely fought the enemy and then returned to the U.S. to live the life of a quiet hero.
Throughout the decades, there are countless stories of veterans like Private Buckles, whose unheralded acts of bravery and selflessness made a difference in every major American conflict and humanitarian relief mission. Since Sept. 11, our country has again become acutely aware of our new veterans, the courageous men and women facing an often-unknown terrorist enemy dispersed in locations around the world. Their ages range from the young 18-year-old Airman to the older, experienced non-commissioned and commissioned officers who have endured multiple deployments. They are fighting this war in ways we haven't seen before, from the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq to the confines of a windowless building here in America where they fly armed unmanned aircraft systems half a world away. They are both warfighters and nation builders. They find and target terrorists at the same time they are developing relationships between regional and religious leaders in order to build a stable society. They take our nation's fight to the enemy...so we don't have to fight the enemy here at home.
Our veterans today are like Airman First Class Brianna Gutierrez, traffic management journeyman, who was the first female Airman assigned to the Mobile Redistribution Team in Balad Air Base, Iraq. During her deployment, she helped recover $24 million in assets from 14 Iraqi forward operating bases. Her work ethic can be seen here at Charleston AFB where she serves our Airmen and their families in a big way. She schedules household goods movement for military moves, minimizing stress for our families. She recently garnered Air Mobility Command's Traffic Management Airman of the Year for 2007. To Airman Gutierrez, a true veteran hero, it's all in a day's work.
Our veterans today are like Staff Sgt. Gary Horne, medical technician and Purple Heart recipient. Sergeant Horne was an Afghan National Security Forces Mentor during a recent deployment and trained 250 Afghan National Police in Combat Lifesaver skills. His own training was put to the test during a patrol when one of the vehicles in his convoy sustained a hit by an improvised explosive device. Sergeant Horne quickly put his training to use, saving lives. Without hesitation, he responded to two severely wounded members of the team, one of whom had a partially severed foot. With the help of his teammates, he treated the injured and secured a medevac helicopter, ultimately saving their lives. To Sergeant Horne, a true veteran hero, this was all part of a day's work.
Our veterans today are like Capt. Heather Mueller, who deployed alongside the Army for more than 200 days. Her responsibility was immense; she showed fearless leadership and directly supported the mission through oversight of $1 billion of major military assets. She flawlessly managed a $3.2 million contracting budget, which supported 65 Air Force personnel in Iraq and Kuwait. Her expertise and daily dedication were evident as she developed a thorough plan to trade lesser armed Humvees with 1,102 Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected vehicles. These vehicles, most of which were moved on Charleston C-17s and surface ships loaded at the Naval Station, are designed to better protect our people and enhance mission success. The efforts of Captain Mueller saved lives and delivered hope ... but to Captain Mueller, a true veteran hero, it's all in a day's work.
Our veterans today are like Capt. William Cabaniss, physician assistant, who deployed to Afghanistan as lead medic for 450 troops. He made a difference in the lives of the local population. Captain Cabaniss assisted with regional humanitarian missions providing medicine and care to more than 400 locals. His knowledge and skill were called upon when he responded to injured troops, to include directing mass casualty triage and care of five victims of a vehicle roll-over. He shared his combat experience with 350 Independent Duty Medical technicians this year as part of a National Armed Forces Symposium in Charleston. Some might say Captain Cabaniss' job is to deliver hope to those that have none ... to Captain Cabaniss , a true veteran hero, it's all in days work.
Our veterans today are like Capt. Heidi Bucheit, who was the pilot in command during a C-17 mission that flew three Americans to freedom July 2. They were held in captivity by the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia for over five years. Captain Bucheit and her crew launched from Charleston in less than an hour, flew to Colombia and then flew the hostages back to American soil. Captain Bucheit, realizing the small things these rescued hostages might have missed, brought with her a taste of home to share: chocolate chip cookies. Some might say the captain's job that day was to deliver freedom ... to Captain Bucheit, a true veteran hero, this was all in a day's work.
For as long as we have been the United States, we have had veterans. Our history is filled with their stories of brave actions and quiet courage. These stories are representative of the more than 1,800 Charleston Airmen that have deployed over the last year ... 48 percent of the base population. Although the challenges have changed, today's veterans deliver just like those past heroes. The theme of service before self is a constant one that binds our veterans together. Service before self is why we owe all of our veterans a debt of gratitude ... yesterday, today and tomorrow. Let us remember and honor all those who have served, for they are true heroes ... but for an American veteran, it's all in a day's work.