Golden Anniversary: 919th Special Operations Wing
They say blood runs thicker than water,
but I witnessed what happens when colleagues choose to create an enduring bond.
With its many branches, this extended family of the 919th Special
Operations Wing (SOW) showed the heights achieved through genuine solidarity. I
had the distinct pleasure of interacting with one of Okaloosa County's largest
families. While they are not literal siblings, they are affectionately known as
"America's Citizen Air Commandos." The future is bright because we
have men and women willing to serve and sacrifice without much recognition. At
the outset, may I express a heartfelt thanks to the 919th SOW from each of us?
One word encapsulates this unit: Camaraderie—I
sensed this truth at the informal family Wing Day and the formal anniversary
banquet. Yet, these two events hardly scratch the surface of who they are and
what they mean to all Americans. The close bonds extend from top to
bottom—starting with the Wing Commander throughout the entire organization.
They sacrifice to support the nation's
defences at home and at distant points around the globe. The Wing Commander is Colonel
Jason Grandy. He stated that "We perform thirteen unique missions and
serve as the only Reserve Wing with such a diverse mission. We pride ourselves
as quiet professionals; we do not work for the praise, but we want to do a good
job because that is what we do. The human capital in our Wing is exceptional."
Like most true professionals, he leads by example.
The 919th Special Operations Wing,
located at Eglin Air Force Base Field 3 (Duke Field), is the only special
operations Wing in the Air Force Reserve. The Wing supports the Air Force
Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC).
Its taskings include operations, maintenance, security forces, civil
engineering, communications, logistics, supply, transportation services and
personnel functions. As Colonel Grandy mentioned, it is the most diverse Wing
in the Air Force Reserve Command, performing 13 unique missions.
There are approximately 1,700 members
assigned to the 919th Special Operations Wing. Over 1,400 of those are
part-time reservists. The Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) provide the full-time
continuity and support to keep the units and members combat-ready. ARTs carry
dual status as full-time civil service employees for the U.S. Air Force and participate
as reservists. More than 300 ARTs and 47 civilians support the Wing in
day-to-day operations.
As the only special operations unit in
the Air Force Reserve, the unit has supported Operation Just Cause, Operations
Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Enduring Freedom,
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. The 919th Security Forces Squadron
was the first Air Force Reserve unit to be activated to support Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Family Wing Day: The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of
Commerce partnered with Duke Field to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. The Chamber's
business community donated the funds to provide free "Nice-cream"
from Dippin' Dots for the attendees of Family Day. Tricia Brunson, President
and CEO of the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber, expressed her appreciation for the
919th with the following comment.
"The mission of Duke Field is to
serve, protect and defend our nation. Its proximity to us makes it an integral
part of our local economy. They are our friends and neighbors. Their children are
students in our schools; their spouses fill employment needs for our businesses,
while many reservists work full-time jobs within our community. The 919th
Special Operations Wing has been there for us for 50 years, standing ready to
keep us safe and our nation strong. They provide us peace of mind while we
provide them with a sense of home—a signature asset of Okaloosa County."
The 50th
Anniversary Banquet: "50
Years of Valor" was the theme for the evening as the 919th SOW wrapped up
the weekend of celebrations with a formal gala. Lt. Colonel James Wilson, the
919th Chief of Public Affairs, said, "The 919th Special Operations Wing is
one of the most decorated units in the Reserve. Since the unit's activation in
1971, Reservists from Duke Field have earned 20 Air Force Outstanding Unit
Awards for organizational excellence. Today's standards are closely tied to
those pioneers who established the Air Force Reserve's presence at Duke Field
more than 50 years ago. This weekend is our opportunity to honor and thank them
for showing us what it means to be the 'Best of the Best.'"
Retirees, former commanders, current
leaders and everyone in attendance enjoyed reminiscing and learning about the
rich history and mission of Duke Field. Major General Richard S. "Beef"
Haddad gave an inspirational speech. Community leaders, Jerry Williams, President/CEO
of Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) and the Military Affairs Chair, Teresa
Halverson, expressed gratitude for our local military.
The late Brig. Gen. Donald Haugen, the
919th's founding member, created the 919th Tactical Airlift Group in 1971. Judy
Haugen is considered the First Lady of the 919th. She is the mother of retired
Lt. Colonel Brian Haugen of the Taylor Haugen Foundation. The evening wrapped
up by highlighting several annual award winners from the 919th, with Colonel
Grandy bringing the closing remarks.
I caught up with EFCU's Jerry Williams, a
major supporter of the anniversary celebrations like so many other community
events. "Our loyalty to the military stems from the fact that EFCU's
exists because of the military. The credit union was birthed in 1954 because of
the military institutions in this area. Many of our employees have worked for
the credit union while serving in the Reserve at the 919th. Presently we have
two employees in the 919th—they are serving our members one day and our country
the next. We are honored to play a small part in such a magnificent endeavor."
Did you know that Niceville Mayor Henkel
is a retired Air Commando? The next time you see him, be sure to express your
sincere appreciation for his service.
Read the newspaper (page 1 and 2)
.png)
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment