Airmen in Afghanistan honor veterans with silent vigil

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael Meridith
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Airmen here honored veterans past and present with a 10-hour silent vigil Nov. 11. 

Following a formal wreath-laying ceremony, teams of two airmen -- a total of 80 in all -- stood at "parade rest" near the flagpole of Camp Cunningham here as a constant reminder of the significance of Veterans Day.

The vigil took place in the shadow of a picture and monument to Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, the fallen pararescueman who is the camp's namesake. Cunningham gave his life saving fellow servicemembers during combat in Afghanistan in 2002.

"It took me full circle," said Staff Sgt. San Juana Vasquez, with 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron. Sergeant Vasquez, a San Antonio native, was involved in setting up the vigil and also served on the Air Force honor guard detail that provided honors during Airman Cunningham's burial. 

"Sometimes, back home, Veterans Day can seem like just a day off, but here it means more because you live it every day," she said.

The vigil was even more significant because it came shortly after the announcement of the deaths of several servicemembers serving in Afghanistan.

"I feel pride at being able to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom," said Senior Airman Michael Salansky, a Uniondale, Pa., native in the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, who participated in the vigil. "When I stand out there, I think about everyone deployed out here putting themselves on the line."

Those sentiments were echoed by Master Sgt. Richard Tallman, the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group first sergeant and a Council Bluffs, Iowa, native. Sergeant Tallman organized the event.

"Those who have served and those who are now serving should have a sense of pride that their efforts will not be forgotten," he said. "No matter how small they think their role is, every person is a key to making the mission happen." 

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