News Search

Grissom remembers 9/11

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Grissom Airmen joined with Americans around the world today to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

At 8:46 a.m., the time the first aircraft crashed into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, Grissom Airmen and civil servants gathered together and paid their respects as the base flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff.

Shortly after, Chap. (Maj.) Obadiah Smith Jr., 434th Air Refueling Wing chaplain, said a few words in remembrance before allowing for a moment of silence.

"Over 2,900 lives were lost on this day," said Smith. "Today we stand in remembrance of them, but we also stand united in our mission, dedicated to our cause to continue to strengthen the fabric of America."

Ending a moment of silence was the somber sound of Taps played by Senior Master Sgt. Tim Wood, Grissom base honor guard manager, as a final tribute to the fallen before the base personnel went back quietly to their work area.

"We should never allow ourselves to forget those lost on 9/11 or those who have sacrificed so much even since," said Col. Bryan Reinhart, 434th ARW vice commander. "Today we came together as one wing, not only to remember but also to look ahead with hope."

Since 9/11, the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, and its Airmen have been called on frequently to deploy around the world in support of numerous operations combatting terrorism.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer