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

Memorial Day message from the commander

  • Published
  • By Col. Jason Grandy
  • 919th Special Operations Wing commander
Citizen Air Commandos,

As our nation pauses for Memorial Day, we are reminded once again that freedom is not free. It has come at great cost, paid for with the lives of our sons and daughters, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers and friends.

Every American owes a tremendous debt to the courageous men and women who have selflessly given their all to defend and protect our way of life. It is impossible to repay the debt owed to the families left behind, but honoring the memory of the fallen and their uncommon valor seems the least we can do.

Please find your own way to reflect on the price paid by those who have served and died to help demonstrate the solemn gratitude that exists for these heroes this Memorial Day.

While the pain for these families will never go away, it may lessen with our thanks and prayers.

We remain a blessed nation because we have members like you who are willing to carry on this tradition of sacrifice and stand the line against those who wish to do us harm. I am proud to stand with you, by you and for you.