Photo By Master Sgt. Julianne Showalter | U.S. Air Force Col. Marshall Collins, 145th Airlift Wing commander, and the Grady...... read more read more
Subscribe
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Members of the North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG) gathered at the Carolina Dining Facility, NCANG Base, Charlotte Douglas Intl. Airport, Sept. 18, 2014, to celebrate the U.S. Air Force’s 67th Birthday much like any other birthday, with cake. It’s not all about the sweet treat, but mainly to honor the service, its heritage and hear David Grady, an elementary school student, read his thank you letter addressed to the NCANG which he wrote as a school project.
The nine year old was inspired to write the thank you letter by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, despite not being alive at the time.
Col. Marshall Collins, 145th Airlift Wing commander said, “He’s nine, and wasn’t alive when 9/11 occurred 13 years ago. He’s cognoscente of what it meant, and what it means to this country. It seems fitting that a young person should speak on this day we’re honoring the Air Force’s 67th Birthday.”
When asked about hosting David and his parents, Ron and Reida Grady, Collins took the matter personally. He volunteered not only to let the young man read his letter at the birthday celebration ceremony, but also volunteered to give him a one-on-one tour of the base.
Along the tour is Hanger 51, which has historical photos and aircraft memorabilia showcased in the foyer dating back to the base’s beginnings.
“When I was young,” Collins added, “My dad took me around, but he was in the South Carolina Army National Guard. I’m returning the favor, and taking this young man around. Young people are fun, especially for us older crowd.”
David Grady was composed and clear while reading his letter in front of nearly 200 military members, “It’s the best day of my life, and I was nervous but also excited. It felt good when everybody stood up after.”
David, a fourth grade student at Davidson Day School in Davidson, North Carolina, impressed the room with his courage. Members of the 145th Airlift Wing shook his hand and thanked him for coming.
When asked about what it felt like to speak on this special day, David smiled and said, “It’s really great to be here, just awesome.”
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2014 09:51 |
| Story ID: | 142694 |
| Location: | CHARLOTTE, NC, US |
| Hometown: | DAVIDSON, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, North Carolina Air National Guard celebrates service's birthday through Young Boys Tribute, by MSgt Julianne Showalter, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT