Ready, set, summer New uniforms - RAF Lakenheath

Jet48CommandersForumUSAFE leaders send Memorial Day messageRAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) – The following is ajoint message from Gen. Tom Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander,and Chief Master Sgt. Gary G. Coleman, USAFE commandchief.Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, each Memorial Daybrings personal and painful reminders of Americans who have paid theultimate sacrifice fighting the Global War on Terrorism.Memorial Day was officially proclaimed at the conclusion of theCivil War to honor Union and Confederate soldiers. After World War I,Memorial Day changed to honor Americans who died in any war, andthere have been many. Unlike those wars, our current struggle is notwaged against an enemy who can be readily identified or fought on abattlefield marked by boundaries or borders. How and when our fightagainst terrorism ends remains to be seen.What we do know is that American lives will continue to be lost eachyear in this fight. We know that our Airmen and the Sailors, Soldiersand Marines who serve alongside them serve their nation knowing fullRemembering our comradesBy Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel48th Fighter Wing CommanderBy the end of the Civil War in the 1860s, more than half a millionAmericans had tragically lost their lives in combat. In thememorable words of President Abraham Lincoln, these folks gavetheir country “their last full measure of devotion.”Immediately after the war, our nation set asidea day of remembrance to mark the terrible losseswe suffered. Today, nearly 150 years later, we stillremember the sacrifices made by our selfless comrades.On Monday, the day of remembrance will beupon us once again. Memorial Day is the oneday we set aside each year to reflect on thetremendous sacrifices made by our countrymen.Many of us use this day to think of thesecourageous individuals who have fought in ournation’s wars: the Civil War to the World Wars, theKorean War to Operation Iraqi Freedom.As many of you make plans on how you will spend your day, Iencourage you to think about gathering your family and headingup to Cambridge American Cemetery in Madingley, England.ACTION LINEwell the price they may pay to preserve our much-valued way of life.Most assuredly, they know such sacrifice is not in vain. These youngAirmen, deployed in harm’s way, are faithfully working to promote freedom,justice and human dignity. We have traveled downrange to visitthese young men and women and we continue to be amazed by theirpersonal courage and steadfast resolve. They know they are at the forefrontof a long and noble tradition of duty and commitment to our country.Perhaps there will come a time in history when memories of our sacrificestoday will also begin to fade and a renewed call will be made toextol their honor. It is our responsibility to make sure no one from ourgeneration will ever take their sacrifice for granted. Now, more thanever, we feel a deeper respect and commitment toward our brothers andsisters in arms from past wars who rest in peace in cemeteries aroundthe world.This Memorial Day, take a moment to say thank you to all whoserve.Here, British and Americans alike will hold the annual MemorialDay ceremony to honor the 3,812 Americans buried there whowere lost during World War II.The Liberty Wing has a long tradition of supporting this significantevent, and I appreciate those of you who have a hand inensuring the ceremony’s success. Your hard work will ensure thisevent is a fitting tribute to our country’s fallenheroes.As we remember the heroes lost in the skies andon the grounds of Europe, we must also rememberthose lost in the jungles of the South Pacific, on theicy slopes of the Korean Peninsula and in the ricepaddies of Vietnam. More recently, we mustremember those lost in the mountains and cavesof Afghanistan and in the deadly streets of Iraq.Those who perished during these conflictshave demonstrated to us all that freedom is notfree. They have paid the ultimate price for othersto benefit.Therefore, as you celebrate Memorial Day I urge you totake a moment and reflect on the warriors who have given “theirlast full measure of devotion” so we can enjoy the freedoms ofour way of life.The Action Line is your direct link to me for complaints, suggestions or comments. It’s not intended toreplace the chain of command. When normal command agency channels haven’t been able to resolve yourconcerns, call 226-2324, fax 226-5637, e-mail (Action.Line@lakenheath.af.mil), send through distribution(48 FW/PA), mail (48FW/PA, Unit 5210 Box 215 APO AE 09461-0215) or hand carry your Action Line tothe public affairs office (Building 1085). You may remain anonymous; however, to receive a reply, pleaseleave your name, unit, duty or home phone number and full APO mailing address. Names are confidential.PAGE 4 JET 48 MAGAZINEMAY 26, 2006