Grissom honors all who have served

Published Nov. 11, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Service before self, one of the Air Force core values, is rooted in a characteristic found in one of that nation's greatest assets, the veteran.

Since 1775, Americans have been putting their service to the United States above their own personal needs, wants and desires.

Celebrating that spirit of service this Veterans Day, the men and women of Grissom honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

"This is all about honoring those who have come before us and served their nation with pride and distinction as well as honoring those currently willing to lay it all on the line for our freedom," said Master Sgt. Cindi Webb, Grissom Base Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman.

In honor of Veterans Day, Grissom's honor guard will be performing at schools, churches and other venues around north central Indiana.

"Going out into the community and showing support of our veterans is so important because it lets them know we will never forget about their service, and it shows our appreciation to the community for their support of us and all our veteran heroes."

The Grissom Base Honor Guard's last performance for this Veterans Day will be on Monday, Nov. 12, at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Ind., where Soldiers from the Army Reserve's 316th Tactical Psychological Operations Company will present the colors before the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors performs a free show.

The history of Veterans Day dates back to Nov. 11, 1918, the day that World War I ended. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, a day to celebrate the allied victory and the veterans who served in what was thought to be the last great war.

Sadly, that was not to be the case as American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen were once again called to serve in World War II and Korea. Seeing a need to honor all veterans of all wars, the 83rd Congress changed the word "Armistice" to "Veterans" in 1954. That same year, President Dwight Eisenhower issues the first Veterans Day Proclamation.

Today, Veterans Day is still remembered on Nov. 11 as communities hold concerts, parades and other events to honor all those who made the determination to put service before self.

Grissom is home to Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who routinely deploy around the world in support of the U.S. strategic objectives. Grissom's host unit, the 434th Air Refueling Wing, is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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Grissom honors all who have served

Grissom honors all who have served

Public Affairs Staff