11/9/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Veterans Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:
America is built upon the achievements and the sacrifices of veterans. On Veterans Day, we express appreciation and thanks to more than 22 million American veterans, including 4 million veterans of the United States Air Force.
We especially honor and remember those who lost their lives to help defend our Nation, and we give thanks to the families whose support made their loved ones' service possible. Collectively, our Nation owes our veterans and their families a debt that can never be fully repaid.
Following in the footsteps of previous generations, you -- today's Airmen -- continue to answer the Nation's call. In all of your missions, whether serving in overseas contingency operations, providing disaster relief at home and abroad, or protecting the skies above the United States, your commitment and professionalism reflects our veterans' proud legacy of devoted service. You too have earned our Nation's thanks.
Our duty obliges us to ensure that each generation understands and appreciates the sacrifices that have been made, often at very heavy cost, by the men and women who have fought to preserve our freedom. On this Veterans Day, please take time to reflect on our veterans' contributions, and thank those in your family and your community who have served America so selflessly.
Comments
11/18/2011 7:39:42 AM ET I think everyone is being too hard on the young lady. She most likely forgot about the electronic device in her right hand due to overconfidence and excessive motivation.
SrA Snuffington, OCONUS
11/15/2011 2:10:30 PM ET All this bickering yet nothing concerning the hard work our fearless veterans put in during their military time. Thank you all veterans for your sacrifice and dedication.
MSGT USAF Ret., Nellis AFB
11/15/2011 12:04:30 AM ET Jerry, seriously. Wow.
Scott, Seattle
11/14/2011 1:13:16 PM ET The last several comments on here are a huge part of why I decided to get out nearly 7 years ago. Whining, whining and more whining. Rather than read the article, however empty it may be, people want to get wrapped around the axle on silly details of a picture. Who cares? The AF is full of too many people walking around thinking they're a shirt. Get over yourselves.
Chris Kimball, Indiana
11/14/2011 12:28:12 PM ET Thanks Paul. I'll just carry two cell phones around and never salute anyone.
Sgt Peanut, conus
11/10/2011 8:13:06 AM ET @Jerry: she has something in her right hand also. That means both hands are full and she would give an verbal greeting to the approaching officer. I believe that is in the next paragraph in AFI 36-2903. But thanks for your valuable comment.
Paul, Afghanistan
11/9/2011 4:22:25 PM ET I have to agree with Jerry. It is a phenomenal photo, but one that just misses. Plus what is all of the stuff the Airman is carrying in her left hand?
NCO, Europe
11/9/2011 4:11:21 PM ET In response to Jerry's question... the same thing that happens in a forest when a tree falls and no one is around. It's a graphic/staged photo for crying out loud.
Stuart, Planet Earth
11/9/2011 3:39:59 PM ET It appears the person is carrying a handheld electronic device in her RIGHT hand in violation of AFI 36-2903 6.3.3. that says they must be carried in the LEFT hand. What will happen if she meets a superior officer and is required to salute?
Jerry, Oklahoma
11/9/2011 3:37:29 PM ET These days words are simply that: no form, no substance, just noise. An example is the retiree tricare monkey-business. Words like medical care for life and other incentives are meaningless. In reality, our great Nation can afford to take care of all veterans; however, our national interest is focused on other nation's welfare. Remember the Oil revenues will pay for the war debt.
