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)

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Congressman's letter to commander honors military's service, sacrifices

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs
  • 919th Special Operations WIng
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  The following is a letter from Congressman Jeff Miller, 1st Congressional District of Florida, to Col. James Phillips, commander of the 919th Special Operations Wing, honoring the service of all Duke Airmen and military members around the globe.:

Dear Colonel Phillips,

I would like to take this opportunity to convey my sincere gratitude to all the men and women of the United States military. There is not enough that I can say or do to express my profound appreciation for the sacrifice and service that define the lives of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen.

The average age of our recruits varies from 19 in the Marine Corps, 20 in the Navy, and 21 in the Army and Air Force.  That means today's Marine recruit was probably no older than seven or eight when Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four planes and attacked our homeland. That means today's young men and women who, in the prime of their youth, volunteered themselves to serve in the defense of our way of life have spent their formative years surrounded by reminders that we are a nation at war.

They volunteer themselves with the full knowledge they will likely be called upon to serve in the unforgiving environs where we still do battle with the enemy who struck us 12 years ago.  They are not ignorant of the realities they face. Their willingness to commit to a life of hardship, sacrifice and danger is extraordinary. The reasons why these young men and women choose to serve are as numerous as their ranks are deep, but I want them all to know that I do not take their service for granted.

I know our great nation would not exist if it were not for the men and women who have answered the call to serve each and every time our nation was faced with an enemy determined to impose his will upon our way of life. I also know that the families of our warriors are vital to their success. We must not forget the families who endure months and years without their loved ones, dutifully accepting the burden of service, and keeping watch over the home front.

On behalf of the people of the First Congressional district of Florida, I would like to convey our sincere appreciation to you and all those you command for their selfless service in defense of our great nation.

With warm personal regards, I am

Sincerely,
Jeff Miller
Member of Congress