Wing Retreat at Dyess AFB
My tribute to the 10th anniversary of 9/11 isn’t going to be some long winded speech or memorial. I prefer to quietly reflect on that day and how it changed me and my country. But I would like to share with you the events on Dyess Air Force Base to commemorate the event.
We started on the 8th of September with a 24 Hour Vigil Run where we carried a flag that had been flown in over 700 COMBAT hours in Iraq and Afghanistan. That flag was carried by Dyess personnel for 24 hours in a run up and down the Air Park. We had a 9/11 Golf Tournament (it’s the Air Force, what do you expect?) A memorial wall and a blood drive were at the Base Chapel. I took part in the formation during Wing Retreat, filling in for an Airman who had fallen out.
Our Commander spoke a few words, then First Responders Parade was lead by the Green Knights, our military motorcycle club, and the Patriot Guard to kick off the Wing Retreat. The National Anthem was played as the flag was lowered then folded by the Honor Guard. The Chaplain spoke, we had a moment of silence and the playing of TAPS.
The combat flag was presented to an Abilene City Council member in thanks of the city’s support. It will be displayed at City Hall. They also unveiled a plaque to be placed at the base entrance. And it is these words that I will leave you with
“Our enemies have made the mistake that America’s enemies always make. They saw liberty and thought they saw weakness. And now, they see defeat” -President George W. Bush
Military Oxymoron 