An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 3, 2014.The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

Commentaries

Commander issues Independence Day message

  • Published
  • By Col. Kevin Merrill
  • 919th Special Operations Wing

Citizen Air Commandos & Families,

On this, America’s 245th birthday, I am reminded how blessed we are by the foresight of our Nation’s founders who immortalized their vision of a free nation by signing the Declaration of Independence.

Their belief that all Americans have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness binds us all.
These values are not inherent birth rights as we all know. Freedom is not something simply gained and never lost. We have to fight for it and be willing to sacrifice our lives when adversaries threaten our interests and way of life.

I hope you enjoy your much deserved time off with family and friends. You’ve earned it. While doing so, please keep your fellow Citizen Air Commandos and other defenders in mind as they hold the line against our enemies around the globe.

Thank you for being the professionals you are and for always “Providing America’s Citizen Air Commandos Any Time, Any Place!”