3/3/2011 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, statement on shooting at Frankfurt Airport March 2:
"Chief (David W.) Williamson and I are deeply saddened by the senseless attack at the Frankfurt International Airport that took the lives of two USAFE Airmen and left two others fighting for their lives. Our hearts and prayers are with them, their families, friends, and comrades. We'll continue to provide comfort and support to the entire team as we deal with this terrible loss.
We'd like to thank our host nations ... from the actions of German police at the scene, to the medical professionals who are treating our wounded Airmen, to the strong expressions of sympathy and support from both Germany and the United Kingdom ... your response is a clear demonstration of our strong, enduring relationship.
This attack is a grim reminder that we must stay vigilant.
Airmen are the heartbeat of U.S. Air Forces in Europe. I assure you that your commanders take your safety and your families' safety very, very seriously.
We're incredibly proud of how USAFE Airmen and their families are responding to this tragedy. And we remain proud of who we are and what we represent. We're a strong family--we'll get through this together."
Comments
3/7/2011 11:47:09 AM ET If you have been to Frankfurt in the past few years you will see that the USO is right out on the street in a small container. From an OPSEC perspective that waiting area is wide open to attack. It's tragic these young men lost there lives but it could have been much worse. Why no one looked at the placement of areas where members wait in and out of uniform from a safety point of view is in my opinion negligent.
Boomhower, Spang
3/5/2011 11:04:37 AM ET While I also agree this is not the time to over-react and look inward for someone to blame, I also wondered why a bus full of security forces members were left so vulnerable to such an act of violence? Those poor boys didn't have a chance. I pray for their families and everyone else personally touched by this tragic loss May they find comfort and strength. God be with you.
sandi, mn
3/5/2011 8:10:47 AM ET Seeing our Lakenheath security forces Airmen every day, I'm at a loss as to what to say or do. One small measure that I encourage others here at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwwell is to tie a black or dark blue ribbon to your vehicle aerial. These victims could be the very person who had checked your ID when you drove thru the gate, issued your USAFE driving permit, or any number of situations. Show your support to their co-workers. And please don't criticize this as identifying yourself as U.S. military. We do that already a dozen other ways. Just do something. Condolences to those at Ramstein as well.
Sgt V, RAF Lakenheath
3/4/2011 12:13:56 PM ET This horrific and senseless act was not very predictable by any AT or FP official. It appears this was an attack of opportunity and conducted by a lone individual who had been recently radicalized. Our intelligence community is very good but it would have been very lucky to provide actionable information to thwart these awful killings. We have been using the same structure to transport military members to civilian airports for many decades in overseas locations like England, Germany and Panama to name a few. Now is not the time to throw darts at our leaders or overreact by establishing very restrictive procedures which alter the course of our normal military lives. If we do, then the terrorists win every single time because they provoke chaos and fear into our society. Obviously very prudent actions like using a nondescript bus and removing military affiliated signs from public transportation areas need to take place to prevent this from happening again.
CMSgt Retired Bob Henson, Hurlburt Field FL
3/3/2011 7:19:10 PM ET Time to change the way these individuals are transported or provide armed guards. Since they were attacked on the bus, that indicates that someone came on the bus unchallenged. No information has been provided regarding who the suspected shooter was or what he looked like. I am sorry for the loss and grieve with the families.
