Vice president praises troops during Guam stopover

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Catherine Talento
  • Air Force Regional News Center
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNEWS) --  Vice President Richard Cheney rallied servicemembers during a Feb. 22 stopover at Guam while en route from Japan to Australia. 

The vice president spoke to more than 2,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Coast Guardsmen and Guam dignitaries, emphasizing the critical role Guam's position in the Pacific plays in regional security and the war on terrorism.

Vice President Cheney's visit was also timely in that it allowed him to recognize recent acts of heroism by two Andersen AFB members, said Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Owens, the 36th Wing commander. Honored were Lt. Col. Christopher Greiman, the commander of the 36th Comptroller Squadron, and Tracy McVay, the wife of a deployed Andersen AFB Airman. Colonel Greiman and Mrs. McVay received the Air Force Airman's Medal and the Department of Defense Exceptional Service Award, respectively. 

According to the citation, Colonel Greiman and Mrs. McVay risked their lives in a daring rescue, enduring severe rip tides and razor sharp coral to save two swimmers caught in the tide. The incident involved five Airmen, one of whom disappeared in the surf and was later declared deceased. Lifesaving equipment they had gathered on the beach allowed them to extend their reach, securing the swimmers caught in the powerful current. 

For many servicemembers like 1st Lt. Matthew Quy, a B-52 Stratofortress pilot deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., the vice president's visit was a reminder that despite being located in the Pacific, their service and sacrifices have not been forgotten.

"To hear him speak it reminds us that the senior leadership do care, that they are concerned enough to come out here and see the troops. It means a lot to us," Lieutenant Quy said.

While in Japan, the vice president met with the emperor of Japan and the new prime minister. His next stop will be Australia, where he will meet with Prime Minister John Howard.

(36th Wing Public Affairs contributed to this story) 

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