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Veterans Day is a day in which America recognizes all veterans- Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. Our veterans selflessly laid the foundation of our nation, served with honor and shared purpose and sacrifice for the common good.
To show support for Seymour Johnson and local veterans, Wayne County holds an annual Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Goldsboro, North Carolina. This year, an estimated 8,000 people attended the parade which featured a formation of more than 220 Airmen marching through the streets.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 3.5 million U.S. Air Force veterans are alive around the world today. The history of the Air Force is occupied by courageous Airmen, and Veterans Day allows us to honor those who wore the uniform every day to defend our country.
Challenges are faced every day, and it’s our veterans who go out, often to places unheard of, and fight enemies to defend our freedom.
Every base, including Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, has their share of local heroes, whether they be past or present.
Modern heroes like Capt. Mark McDowell, 336th Fighter Squadron pilot, was killed in action in 2009 while deployed supporting OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. On July 17, an F-15E Strike Eagle flown by McDowell crashed near the Ghazni Province of Afghanistan, killing him and a fellow warrior, Capt. Thomas Gramith, 336th Fighter Squadron weapons system officer.
While many veterans fought for our freedom, others made history by breaking barriers and paving the way for the ground-breaking capabilities we have today.
On Oct. 14, 1947, Capt. Chuck Yeager became the first pilot confirmed to exceed the speed of sound in level flight. He would later go on to become the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing commander.
Countless other veterans have broken barriers and records over the years- in areas ranging from technology development to wartime operations, to organizational culture and command excellence.
Chief Master Sgt. Shane Wagner, 4th Fighter Wing command chief, said he believes the Air Force has come a long way since the first years of his enlistment.
“I believe technology has become more advanced and will continue to do so,” said Wagner. “But it would not have been that way if it wasn’t for the Airmen before us laying the foundation and those serving today.”
Wagner’s father served in the Air Force before him, so he is very appreciative for this holiday.
“Veterans Day means a lot to me,” said Wagner. “I have friends who served before me and I get a chance to listen to their stories and hear their sacrifices. We all sacrifice something to wear this uniform and it’s truly an honor.”
Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing commander, believes coming together as a community to celebrate veterans who’ve carried out brave actions with quiet courage, allows all who wore the uniform to be honored formally.
“Our veterans have faced different challenges over the years, but everyone paid the same price: Being away from family, putting duty, honor and country above personal gain,” said Sage. “We often think of historical figures when we celebrate this day, but many of you have your own heroes in mind. Grandfathers who stormed the beaches of Normandy, aunts or uncles you look up to for answering their nation’s call to serve. I am proud to be serving my country, and to be a part of this incredible community.”
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.11.2016 18:01 |
| Story ID: | 214469 |
| Location: | SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Day of appreciation for those who serve, by SSgt Miranda Loera, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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