5th AMXS Airman salutes veterans, bolsters community relations Published Nov. 12, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs HARVEY, N.D. -- A 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman traveled to a local church here Nov. 11 to salute fellow veterans and bolster the friendship Minot Airmen and their surrounding communities share. "Some of our veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice - to whom, our debt can never be repaid," said Airman 1st Class Aaron Storer, 5th AMXS hydraulics apprentice. "Others have suffered physical wounds, but remain spiritually steadfast, inspiring us with their strength of character and enduring contributions. Some still wear the uniform -- whom we salute for their continued uncommon sacrifice -- while others are now our schoolteachers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, still lending us their considerable talents, and benefitting us with their abundant generosity." In the spirit of generosity, Airman Storer took time to show the students of the church what it means to be an Airman in today's Air Force. "I have served in the Air Force for more than a year and a half," Airman Storer said. "This year and a half has given me an amazing insight into what it truly means to be a veteran. I have an amazing job and wouldn't trade it for the world." The Airman, a member of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., is a key component to ensuring the B-52H Stratofortress continues to deliver a safe, secure and reliable nuclear deterrent around the world. But when Minot Airmen need a way to relax, they look to their surrounding communities to provide that break, hence the Team Minot concept. Airman Storer visited one such Team Minot community to speak with a group of kindergarten through 5th grade students on what it means to him to be an Airman and the importance of understanding key events in this nation's past. "It is my understanding you all are learning about our nation's flag," said Airman Storer to the group of students. "I have always had an appreciation for our nation's flag. This being one of the reasons I joined the military." Old Glory has long been a symbol raised to strengthen the vigilance and integrity of every American. In times of trouble and grief, people would look to the flag for hope. This is hope shared throughout the hearts and minds of all who take that moment on Veteran's Day to remember all those who have put their lives on the line, selflessly. "We are America's greatest ambassadors with freedoms most countries cannot imagine, riches few nations can rival, and national pride that all nations envy," Airman Storer said. Airman Storer's talk with the students and their families brought up many emotions and feelings of pride and camaraderie as Americans in the fight for the same thing, freedom. "What you do, protecting our freedoms so we have the ability to have our kids grow up in the best and finest country, is a blessing," said Nick Hertz, the Harvey funeral home director and close friend to church leadership. "I thank those many who have given years of their lives and sometimes their lives themselves." This feeling of gratitude echoed across the church. Community relation events such as this are a continuing effort by Minot Airmen as a way to establish rapport with the Team Minot community. "On this Veterans Day, we fittingly honor all those who have donned the uniform of the United States, and hazarded their own profound joys of life, to stand firmly for our nation's timeless devotion to liberty, equality, fairness, and self-determination," Airman Storer said. "We thank those who continue in humble and distinctive service, ensuring not only that our nation remains blessed with limitless possibilities, but also that the memory of those veterans who have gone before us remains eternal."