Grissom salutes our nation's veterans

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., --  Veterans Day holds a special place for many people whether they have served or or just appreciate those who have. 

Both military and civilian members of Grissom will be going out throughout the local community today to help honor those who have served their country.

The Grissom Base Honor Guard will be participating in several events in the Indiana cities of Greenwood, Galveston, Denver and Lebanon. The honor guard will also be rendering final military honors to a retiree tomorrow and he is laid to rest.

"This is what being in the honor is all about," said Master Sgt. Tim Wood, Grissom Base Honor Guard noncommissioned officer in charge. "We're so very thankful for all those who have shed blood and sacrificed so much for our freedoms."

Other Grissom personnel will be honoring veterans in a different way as they go out and talk to schools and other organizations about their military experiences and visit with veterans in nursing homes.

"It's a time to show our appreciation for the men and women who've come before us," said Lt. Col. Martin Foye, who will be speaking at a local junior high school today. "I'm going to be speaking to the kids about my own father because he came to this country from Europe, served in the military and instilled in us a love for America."

Colonel Foye, who is the operations plans officer for the 434th Operations Support Squadron, said that it was his dad who taught him to support those willing to stand up for this country including those still currently serving.

"I'm so proud of all the young people I met while deployed in Iraq, and how dedicated they are to their job," he elaborated. "And, that's across all services."

Sergeant Wood also said he is significantly moved by Veterans Day.

"Every day I see our flag flying, it's just like Veterans Day to me," he said. "You have to take the time to honor our veterans, whether it is with family, with the military or visiting them at retirement homes."

Grissom ARB is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing and is one of only five Air Force Reserve Command bases in the nation.  The 434th ARW is equipped with KC-135R Straotanker aircraft and provides valuable support to the Air Force's aerial refueling mission.

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