Armed Forces Day 2014

USAF Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS

Saturday was Armed Forces Day honoring the the men and women who are serving, veterans, and their families.  The reason I chose the picture of the Air Force AWACS is that we live about 20 miles from Tinker AFB, home of AWACS which was located at Tinker when I was still working for the Air Force.  They had to increase security at Tinker in order for AWACS to makes its home here.  Never thought then, we would be living just miles south of Tinker someday.

Almost every time I am out driving and come down Robinson, I look in the sky and see an AWACS headed in for landing or sitting here at my desk, I hear them take off.  We have a replica of AWACS sitting in our home from Boeing as thanks to the work my husband did on AWACS.  One of the few gifts you are allowed to receive as they make sure the amount stays under a certain sum.  He was involved in surveillance aircraft for years but this is by far his favorite plane.  

It is humbling to be around the military for all these years and realize the sacrifices they have given to keep this Country free.  May not always agree with the political decisions that are made but I will support the men and women who serve and have served to the fullest.  Our veterans deserve more than the rhetoric they are receiving -- they deserve a jobs bill to be passed and a VA Hospital system then can count on to give them the best care possible.  Right now they have neither.  We have to do better and work together to get it done.  When it comes to veterans, compromise is not a dirty word which some Republicans members of Congress seem to believe today.

This message from Secretary of Defense Hagel Friday speaks for so many of us who support our troops and our veterans.  If you get a chance, tell a member of the military or a veteran "Thank You" as it makes their day!

Hagel Issues Armed Forces Day Message 

American Forces Press Service 

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2014 - Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day, and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has issued the following message to service members, veterans and their families to mark the occasion: 

For the past 65 years, America has taken the opportunity each May to celebrate Armed Forces Day - a day when our nation expresses its deep and abiding gratitude for all those who help protect and defend our country and its people. In the words of President Dwight Eisenhower, "it is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world." 

To every United States Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsmen: On this day, and all days, you have every reason to be proud to wear the uniform. You are members of the greatest fighting force on earth, one that strives to make a better world for all mankind. You are respected and admired by your friends, your fellow countrymen and our allies. Your presence is welcomed around the world, and you are making a profound difference in the world. 

To our nation's military spouses, partners, children, parents, and families: Today we also recognize and celebrate the vital love and support you provide our men and women in uniform. We are grateful not only for their service and sacrifices, but also for yours.
To America's veterans: Today we thank you for devoting so much to the country you love, and we renew our unceasing commitment to honoring you with the care, the compassion, and the dignity you deserve. 

As our nation marks its 13th consecutive Armed Forces Day at war, and as service members continue to return home from the battlefield, we reaffirm a basic responsibility that we all share. We must do more than merely hold these brave individuals in such high regard; we must support them in every way, knowing that whatever we do, we can always do more. 

We're proud of all of you.

Chuck Hagel
Secretary of Defense

The United States let its guard down before December 7th, 1941, and the result was the attack on Pearl Harbor aimed at our Navy fleet and planes at Hickam.   Before September 11, 2001, we let our guard down again with the so-called peace dividend following the fall of the Berlin War.  That fateful day our Pentagon was attacked after the two World Trade Center towers were taken down and brave men crashed a plane in Pennsylvania that was headed for DC.

We must all remember that we have to stay vigilant and keep the latest technology as our eyes in the sky, at sea, and on the ground to protect the United States and all of us.  We cannot afford to let our guard down again.

God Bless those who serve, veterans, and those who paid the ultimate price with their lives along with all of their families.   Thank you to all who wear or have worn the uniform our our military services -- Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard!

USS Arizona Memorial and in the background a USS Navy Destroyer --
past and the present meet at Pearl Harbor