Post by peterd on May 14, 2012 12:02:50 GMT -8
Air Force Pilot Ace: Honor Iraq War Heroes this Memorial Dayþ
Memorial Day is quickly approaching, and to most Americans, this means the beginning of summer. In reality, it's the one day of the year we dedicate to remembering those who gave all to protect the freedoms we cherish. As you plan your first barbecue of the season and prepare for the warm weather, I urge you to keep in mind the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day: to pay tribute to America's veterans and fallen soldiers.
Throughout my career in the Air Force, I logged more than 800 combat hours in the F-4 Phantom during 339 missions over Southeast Asia. I'm proud to be the only Air Force Pilot Ace of the air war in Vietnam, but what makes me the proudest is knowing that title is the result of many, many devoted people working together. Anyone whose ever served in combat knows someone who gave his our her life for Our Country. I'm certainly no exception. I remember each and every man I served with in Vietnam who did not return home.
This is why I've become involved in the veterans' community and today serve on the advisory board of the American Veterans Center, the organization that coordinates the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. I'm writing today because this year's parade is our first public opportunity to honor our newest generation of veterans—the young men and women who bravely served in Iraq, sacrificing family relationships, jobs, and economic stability to go off and fight for our country.
Memorial Day is quickly approaching, and to most Americans, this means the beginning of summer. In reality, it's the one day of the year we dedicate to remembering those who gave all to protect the freedoms we cherish. As you plan your first barbecue of the season and prepare for the warm weather, I urge you to keep in mind the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day: to pay tribute to America's veterans and fallen soldiers.
Throughout my career in the Air Force, I logged more than 800 combat hours in the F-4 Phantom during 339 missions over Southeast Asia. I'm proud to be the only Air Force Pilot Ace of the air war in Vietnam, but what makes me the proudest is knowing that title is the result of many, many devoted people working together. Anyone whose ever served in combat knows someone who gave his our her life for Our Country. I'm certainly no exception. I remember each and every man I served with in Vietnam who did not return home.
This is why I've become involved in the veterans' community and today serve on the advisory board of the American Veterans Center, the organization that coordinates the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. I'm writing today because this year's parade is our first public opportunity to honor our newest generation of veterans—the young men and women who bravely served in Iraq, sacrificing family relationships, jobs, and economic stability to go off and fight for our country.
