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Show November 4, 1 999 commemoration of courage and sacrifice A By Gen. Ed Eberhart Air Combat Command commander LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) - From the Revolutionary War through our most recent conflict in Kosovo, America's sons and daughters have supported and defended this great nation and our beliefs with exceptional courage and sacrifice. Prior to being called Veterans Day, Nov. 1 1 was celebrated as Armistice Day COMMENTARY in recognition of the end of World War in 1918; signed on the 11th hour of the llthday of the 11th m onth. I This nation and the world hoped that this would be "the war to end all wars," but history proved that preserving freedom comes at a heavy price. Time and time again our airmen, soldiers, sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen suffered and paid the ultimate sacrifice in far away places during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Kuwait, and Yugoslavia. On Nov. 1 1 , we pay special tribute to those men and women in uniform who have put themselves in harms way to deter aggression, uphold democracy, and defend freedom. The sacrifice of these heroes enables our nation to enjoy freedom few other :v.: , .yyy yy: y y y: ::::-- y,y y yyyy: vV:- yfy.' Uyyyy: v::V. Vjx: y:AA- Vice commander urqes airmen to tninic sareiy over Veterans Day By Col. Ron Ohoiendt 388th Fighter Wing vice commander Although Veterans Day is still a week aw ay, I want to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the 388th Fighter Wing for all their hard work and diligence over the past weeks. You have met every challenge with mission success. I am extremely proud to serve with each of you. As you know, the operations tempo for the wing will not relax in the near future. Over the next few weeks we will be making preparations to deploy the 4th Fighter Squadron to Southwest Asia where they will be replacing the 42 st Fighter Squadron, who we will be welcoming home shortly after. With this in mind, I want to encourage the people of the 388th to take Veterans Day on Nov. 1 to relax and spend some time with their families and friends. I also want to remind everyone that you can still go out and have fun while at the same time taking the time to make sure you and those around you remain safe. If you decide to make alcohol part of your plans PLEASE think ahead by determining how you and your friends will get home safely before leaving the house. Let's have everyone do their part to make sure we all are able to relax and have a good time, yet are still capable of returning on the next duty day to perform the mission. 1 1 nations know. It is a freedom secured through the hardship of combat, and for their families, through the hardship of separation and loss. FIRST EDUCATION from Page A "Combat First Impressions ensures we provide courteous, responsive service as people arrive at their new bases," said General Foglesong. "To a very large degree, the first impression we make as our folks come on board sets the tone on how our folks perceive us." Initial surveys will be developed by wing Inspectors General offices and administered over a period to establish a baseline for the quality of customer service. General Foglesong said the initiative can make an important difference to people and families making permanent change of station moves. "This is a tool to ensure people are committed and involved in making our first impression our best impression," said General Foglesong. "If done right, the benefits to the mission and to our people are a force multiplier." The 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office already has.a system in place to capture this information at the monthly Right Start program. Lt. Col. James Fitzpatrick, 388th FW Inspectors General, follows up on a percentage of surveys received to ensure accuracy. "Since the Fighter Wing is a tenant unit, survey comments are also forwarded to the 75 Air Base Wing for their action," said Colonel Fitzpatrick. "The ultimate goal of the program is to identify problem areas and work with the appropriate organization to correct those problems." Col. Mike Hostage, 388th FW commander wants to hear of any problems you might have encountered during you arrival to Hill Air Force Base. The survey taken during Right Start is a good venue to express problems or outstanding service you experienced during inprocessing, said Colonel Hostage. However, don't feel this survey is the only way to raise any concerns about the base services, he added. Call the public affairs Office and leave a comment. Public affairs will add your comments to others for review by myself, the 75th Air Base Wing commander and the 1 2th Air Force commander. For more information on the wing Right Start program or to place concerns, call from Page A ' two-mon- th is ''ty1? 'yy- 'yyyysysy'y- j yxfffnstm'.-- ' Wrsqw: Through the blood, sweat and tears, their courage and sacrifice established a proud legacy for generations to come. History gives ample testimony to the fact our veterans exemplified "service before self." No matter the enemy or the danger, our veterans fulfilled and continue to fulfill their sworn responsibility and commitment to the American people. Today more than ever, their contributions to our country's success cannot be forgotten. As we enjoy our position as the leading world power for freedom and democracy among nations, we must credit our veterans for this respect and distinction. It is because these individuals, no matter where they fought or during what era they served, were motivated and compelled to defend America and her interests against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. They sustained and passed on a fierce, proud heritage that makes us what we are today - free to pursue the rights of life, liberty and happiness. While many of those they've sworn to protect may not know our veterans by name, they truly know them by deed. For this unparalleled courage and sacrito the fice of the early citizen-soldiewarriors of Air Combat Command, Karen and I salute every American who has ever served for the good of our nation and offer our sincere appreciation on behalf of those who continue to live in peace. - rs Air Force officials say AEF rotations put predictability into the lives of airmen, giving them more flexibility in their personal and work schedules. As a result, people are now able to plan for and pursue higher education with little or no interruption from deployments. To ensure airmen capitalize on the opportunity, Lt. Gen. Robert Foglesong, the 12th Air Force commander, has begun the Combat Education initiative. "The initial aim of Combat Education is to encourage airmen to enroll in the core college courses, such as mathematics and English," said Foglesong. "Its ultimate goal is to encourage as many airmen as possible to continue beyond the basic courses and pursue an undergraduate degree." According to Foglesong, the pursuit of higher education benefits both the Air Force and the people in the educational programs. "The ultimate force multiplier is higher education," he said. "I believe in the proposition that a better educated airman is a more effective military member, and an informed citizen." Educational services offices at each base are the focal point for information on higher education. The ESO offers counseling on associate's degree programs such as the Community College of the Air Force as well as programs for people interested in pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees. Some programs also lead to a commission as an officer. To help defray the cost of higher education, the Air Force offers finan- cial assistance through programs such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill and Tuition Assistance. For more information, contact the base Education services office at published for people like... Name: Kyle Goodwin Rank: Airman 1st Class Job: weapons loader Unit: 4th Fighter Squadron Hometown: Lafayette, Ind. Time in Service: 9 months .Van. ( Most Recent Accomplishment: graduated from tech school in July What would I change about Hill Air Force Base: "I wouldn't change anything" First place, small 1997 and 1998 e newspaper Air Combat Command Contest commercial-enterpris- Editorial Staff Col. Mike Hostage 1 st Lt. Erin Shuler Staff Sgt. SonjaWhittington Airman 1st Class Cindy Huston Commander Chief, Public Afairs NCOIC, Public Affairs Editor Fighter Country is a supplement to the Hilltop Times, published by MorMedia, Inc.. a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs Office. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of Fighter Country are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are U.S. Air Force photos. Fighter Country is edited, prepared and provided by the 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 7. 3, Hill AFB UT, 84056-5- 0 Office, 5887 D. Ave., Suite to the editor Story submissions for Fighter Country can be brought by the office, Deadline for submissions to Fighter Country is no later than Monor fax to day, noon, two weeks prior to publication. For more information, call the public affairs office at |