TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Fellow Airmen, Sunday was the 15th anniversary of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, our nation and our way of life came under attack. Since then, our lives have changed in many ways, but we still stand united as Americans. This past weekend there were memorial events and remembrance ceremonies across the country. These events are important since they help us remember the sacrifices of the men and women that died, as well as the heroic efforts of those that responded with courage and bravery after the attacks occurred. While we remember the victims in New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania, we also remember the total force Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines and civil servants that have served so valiantly…and the families that have supported them.
Since 2001, our Air Force has been operating at an incredible pace to support combat operations, multiple contingencies, and humanitarian relief efforts, while continuing to protect our homeland and our allies. This pace of operations has taken a toll on our weapons systems, infrastructure, Airmen, and our families. Many of our Airmen have made the ultimate sacrifice while answering our nation’s call while many others carry seen and unseen wounds from their service. I want to thank each of you for your service to our country and our Air Force, while reminding each of us to be a good wingman and look out for each other. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder as one team to deliver combat power for America.
Our Air Force will continue to answer our nation’s call…we run towards the sound of the gunshots…it’s what we do, but we cannot do it without the daily best efforts of each of us throughout the Air Force Sustainment Center. We must continue to use the “Art of the Possible” to find leaner, more efficient, more effective, and less expensive ways to deliver combat power for our nation. While we should celebrate our many successes, we must remember that there is much work yet to be done.
Finally, there are many threats around the world that wish us harm and seek to end our way of life…Chattanooga, Paris, Orlando, and Nice are stark, tragic examples, but to name a few… We must remain vigilant and pay attention. We have dedicated and skilled defenders that guard our gates and conduct patrols, but it takes all of us to keep all of us safe. If you see something, say something…let’s all do our part to make sure there are no more 9/11’s
Thank you again for everything that you do. I am enormously proud to serve with you.
