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

Independence Day message from the commander

  • Published
  • By Col. Kevin Merrill
  • 919th Special Operations Wing
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Citizen Air Commandos,

As we come together this weekend with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our nation, I hope you all take time to remember the words our nation was built upon over 200 years ago.

The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Those who came before us fought to uphold our unalienable rights.  Now more than ever we need to come together and embrace the diversity of our nation to protect those rights. Let’s work together to consider differing viewpoints and find common ground so we can help put an end to the social strife in America and protect what previous generations fought so hard for years ago.

Please find a few moments this weekend to reflect on the accomplishments of our nation’s past, how far we have come, and the effort we need to put in to ensure that we have an inclusive, respectful society. 

I am honored to serve with each and every one of you. Have a safe and happy Independence Day weekend.

Col. Kevin Merrill