Honoring those who serve

  • Published
  • By Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Several members from the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing participated in Veterans Day events throughout the surrounding area Nov. 11.

Overall, Minot AFB Airmen volunteered to fill five speaking engagements in Minot, Mohall, Drake, Parshall, and Anamoose on the federal holiday.

"When we ask men and women to drastically change their lives, endure hardship and put their lives on the line, the words 'thank you' seem woefully inadequate," said Col. Steven Basham, 5th BW vice commander, who served as guest speaker for Minot's Veterans Day program, held at the Minot Municipal Auditorium. "That is the key purpose of Veterans Day: a day for the nation to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice.

"This day raises a simple 'thank you' from an individual to a sincere 'thank you' from a whole nation," Colonel Basham added to an audience filled with veterans from all branches of service and several conflicts - including almost 20 World War II veterans.

Minot's program, which is an annual event, was organized by Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4, in conjunction with other veterans organizations and auxiliaries, and included the Minot High School-Magic City Campus Band performing the national anthem, a salute to the armed forces, and a special patriotic selection called "Missing Man."

"We should always thank our veterans because they're the ones who made our country what it is," said Jim Clifford, the program's chairman.

The guest speaker in Mohall, Lt. Col. Robert Schutt, 5th Mission Support Group deputy commander, said the people who gathered in the high school really appreciated having someone from Minot AFB there.

"What struck me the most was that this was a day to honor and thank the veterans and their families for their sacrifices while serving our country, yet one by one the veterans in attendance came forward after the event to thank my family and me for serving our country," Colonel Schutt said. "I felt as if I should be seeking each one of them out to thank them for what they have given, but it was more important to them to thank me. It was an amazing example of the selflessness of North Dakota veterans."

"Our veterans are drawn from many backgrounds and many generations," noted Colonel Basham. "They are Americans who stood watch right here in North Dakota during the long Cold War and continue to be poised for peace as they guard the upper realm.

"Together, they all contributed to the character and greatness of the United States," he concluded. "No matter how their service started, all have earned the right and honor of being called a veteran."