Honoring Patriot Day

  • Published
  • By 1Lt Erica Donahoe
  • 445th Airlift Wing
The 445th Airlift Wing gathered today, September 11, to remember the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks September 11, 2001. The ceremony was a somber event with threatening clouds looming overhead that added to the soberness of the day. 

The day was an important opportunity for the wing to reflect on its part in the global war on terror. Since the attacks five years ago, the wing has deployed nearly 600 reservists in support of the war, and will deploy another 200 in the upcoming months.
 
The wing has played a crucial role in the war on terror, transporting over 70 million pounds of war material and air lifting over 20,000 patients out of the Middle East.  Col. Brian Dominguez, 445th Airlift Wing vice commander, spoke at the ceremony, both remembering the past accomplishments of the 445th and addressing the difficulties that lay ahead. 

"This September we have a new mission and a new commitment to the preservation of freedom," said Col. Dominguez. "With greater capability comes greater responsibility, and the C-5 will challenge us to continue the legacy of service that the 445th has established." 

Col. Dominguez also took a moment to remember the fallen heroes of the 445th, Maj. Leroy Homer and Master Sgt. David Scott. Maj. Homer flew with the 356th Airlift Squadron for four years and was the first officer aboard United Flight 93, which crashed in the fields of Pennsylvania. Master Sgt. Scott was serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when he died of a brain aneurysm. 

"We mourn the loss of each and every one of them, because, unlike the enemies of America, we value every human life," Col. Dominguez said. The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of each individual's commitment within the wing.
 
"Never forget that you all are part of a team that answered the call of duty in our nation's hour of need," said the colonel. "As valued members of the 445th, we need your continued support to win this war." 

Col. Dominguez ended with, "Remember the unbreakable spirit that is the very soul of our country and know the truth that we, as a nation, as a military, and as a wing will not fail this test of liberty." 

Chief Master Sergeant Aaron Mouser, Command Chief of the 445th, also spoke at the ceremony. He highlighted the piece of the Pentagon wall placed in front of building 4010 and how it serves as a reminder each day of the importance of the wing's mission. 

"As we pass this stone each day on our way to work it serves as a constant reminder of our mission to support, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States of America," said Chief Mouser. "You see scrapes, gouges, and burn marks that are a reminder of the evil that was wrought against us on that day." 

The ceremony ended with a reminder of the wing's importance, but also the uplifting message that the United States had taken the fight to the enemy and that they were succeeding and would continue to succeed in the global war on terror.