Vice president visits base in Ohio

  • Published
  • By Brett Turner
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  Vice President Dick Cheney expressed his appreciation for the Airmen and community here during a visit March 26.

A throng of enthusiastic people from the base community waved flags and cheered loudly for the vice president during a ceremony. Gen. Greg Martin, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, introduced Vice President Cheney, who wore a brown leather flight jacket.

"I never got that response when I was secretary of defense," the vice president said jokingly in his opening remarks.

"I'm here to express the appreciation of your fellow citizens and President George W. Bush," he said to more cheers and applause.

Vice President Cheney said Air Force people and those who work here helped win the war in Iraq. He cited such innovations as the RQ-1 Predator and RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles that were developed here and played an instrumental role in the war. He also spoke about the importance of family to servicemembers, and he talked about how the military will carry on in keeping America safe.

"This nation has confidence in your abilities," he said.

Following the speech amidst the cheers of the crowd and music by the Air Force Band of Flight, the vice president shook hands and greeted people before leaving.

"It's nice to know they have confidence in our abilities and that we have the confidence of our commander in chief," said Staff Sgt. Fermin Garcia of the 88th Mission Support Squadron.

Sergeant Garcia attended the event with several of his active-duty co-workers who expressed similar feelings.

"I was glad (he) would take the time to come here to see us," said Diana Doseck, a civilian for the Air Force Security Assistance Center here. "It means a lot."

Ms. Doseck said the program was a bit short, but she liked the visit and having the opportunity to attend.

One of the youngest audience members was 9-year-old Lance Adkins, who attended with his mother, Ellen Doerres, who works in the civilian personnel office. Lance said he was excited to be there; however, this was not his first experience of this nature, Ms. Doerres said. He has seen President Bush as well as attended congressional hearings and other similar events.

His mother said it is an important part of giving Lance an appreciation of his country.

"I do this to instill pride in him and hearing it inspires confidence," said Ms. Doerres.