CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
I was honored to meet and talk with our recent NCO Academy graduates. Congratulations to the following Team Charleston professionals: Tech. Sgts. James Alessandrini, 437th Security Forces Squadron, Wade Bond, 17th Airlift Squadron, Stephen Bonnette, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Shannon Frank (Distinguished Graduate) 437th Aerial Port Squadron, Antonio Frese, 437 SFS, Richard Gagnon, 437 AMXS, David Godley, 437th Maintenance Operations Squadron, David Hill (Commandants' Award nominee) 437 APS; Riley Justice, 437 APS, Timothy Knighton, 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Terry McClure, 437 AMXS, Eric Ragan, 437 MOS, Darnell Roberts, 437 LRS, and Steve Shelton, 437 AMXS.
Commanders, chiefs and supervisors, feel free to open the flood gates of responsibility -- these Airmen are up to any task. These NCOA veterans' thoughtful, candid feedback will help shape future classes.
On Nov. 11 we, as Americans, will celebrate Veterans Day. Team Charleston will participate in the Veterans Day parade Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. in downtown Charleston, from King and Columbus Streets to Broad Street and ending at Colonial Lake. Veterans Day is a favorite local event. There are many activities happening beginning today through Sunday, from a United Service Organizations-style show downtown at the Charleston Music Hall to a Taste of the Town in Summerville. Event organizers ensure a memorable, honorable celebration for the military and civilian communities.
The Veterans Affairs Web site provides insight into the origins, history and ceremonies of Veterans Day. "In 1921, an unknown World War I American Soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America's veterans."
The Arlington National Cemetery amphitheater, built around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is the focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day. On Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., (the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month -- recognized end of World War I), a combined color guard representing all military services will execute "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. The bugler will play "Taps."
In 1926, Armistice Day was established through Congressional resolution and it became a national holiday in 1938. Soon after, it became a national holiday and war broke out in Europe, where 16.5 million Americans took part. More than 292,000 died in battle and 407,000 died in service. In 1947, a World War II veteran organized National Veterans Day in Birmingham, Ala. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.
The VA highlights that 25 million veterans are alive today, and nearly 75 percent have served during war or an official period of hostility. About 25 percent of our nation's population(approximately 70 million) are either veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.
This day is for you, Team Charleston -- you make the mission happen and keep the nation free! Enjoy the celebration!
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!