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 Veterans Day message

  • Published
  • By Col. Jason Grandy
  • 919th Special Operations Wing
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  

Citizen Air Commandos,

Since 1776, Americans from every generation have had the honor and privilege to serve our nation. Each of you are part of the legacy of veterans who have answered this sacred calling to support and defend our nation’s Constitution often at a very high cost.

As we approach Veterans Day, I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on how it all began. As history shows, Veteran’s Day was first introduced as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1918, noting the end of World War I. The signing of an armistice on the 11th day of the 11th month signified a day to recall when a war stopped and what was required to achieve the hard earned peace. The remembrance got its current name in 1954 following World War II and the Korean War in an effort to remember veterans of all wars.

On this and every day, let’s also keep our SOF brothers and sisters who are currently deployed around the globe in our thoughts. Their service is indicative of the sacrifice that provides the liberty we all enjoy today.

Thank you and your families for what you do every day to secure freedom for America’s citizens. It is an honor to do this Wing’s noble work with each of you!

Col Jason “LOCO” Grandy
Commander