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Show HILLTOP TIMES MES Nov. 15, 2012 Airmen honor Utah veterans with WWI monument makeover BY RICHARD ESSARY 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs M MARY LOU CORNY/Hilltop Times Brandon Muelsteine, a member of the Army Infantry who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, walks up the aisle during a musical presentation of "Bring Him Home" as Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Bryce Jensen (left), a Navy Corpsman attached to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines Fox Company, watches him advance to the front of the Brigham City Tabernacle. The song from "Les Miserables" was one of the most somber reminders that many did not return from their military duties at the battlefront. Below, Col. Frederick Thaden, 75th Air Base Wing vice commander, speaks to a large crowd at the event about the contributions of veterans and those who are still fighting to protect the nation's freedom. IDVALE 4 Airmen from the 729th Air Control Squadron invited the public to a World War I monument rededication and flag ceremony at Union Park in Midvale this Veteran's Day weekend. The event took place at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 and was the culmination of a squadron community service project organized by Senior Airman Brandon Clark, a 729th ACS ground radar systems technician, and his wife, Tricia. During the week prior to Veterans Day, the Clarks and other volunteers from the 729th ACS removed corrosion and repainted the park's World War I monument, as well as other areas around the monument. Volunteers and community officials then rededicated the monument on Sunday when members from the squadron ceremonially replaced the monument's American flag on Veterans Day. "The ceremony is intended to honor the sacrifices of not only those represented by the memorial, but all veterans past and present," said Brandon Clark. The project is supported by The Wells Fargo Foundation and Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. Officials from those organizations, along with Midvale Mayor Jo Ann Seghini and a number of Utah's Boy Scouts are scheduled to attend the Union Park event. For more information, please contact the Clarks . at brandonthomasclark@gmail.com LAYTON From page 1 heroes." The mayor also addressed the non-veterans in the crowd. "Through untold courage and sacrifice, they have secured the freedom our founding fathers sought to establish. It isn't only today that we should acknowledge them. It is every day," Curtis said. Then, the Celebration Chamber Orchestra performed "Marches of the Armed Forces," and Col. Scott C. Long, commander of the 388th Fighter Wing, gave his own speech to the assembled veterans and attendees. "The men and women in uniform today— we've got your backs. If the sky falls, we will be able to catch it. 1.5 million people have given their lives in service to their nation," Long said. "We will stay strong. The Airmen and families of this base will remain strong." Then, after a performance of "America the Beautiful," a striking of the bell was performed for the 24 Layton men who have died in service from World War I until the Iraq War. After that, the Celebration Chamber Orchestra performed "God Bless America" and Brown gave the closing remarks before the assembly went to have refreshments. "We are so grateful to those who serve, and those that make sacrifices while they are gone," Brown said. HEROES From page 1 of firefighters and emergency workers and then the armed forces. "When future generations ask why America is still free in the hey-day of al-Qaida and their terrorist allies that were counted in days, rather than in centuries as the extremists themselves predicted, we'll give the credit to our hometown heroes: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen," said Thaden as he quoted Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John E Kelly. "As of today there are approximately 181,600 military personnel deployed globally in defense of our nation," he added. "In fact 489 of those deployed are stationed on down the road from here at Hill Air Force Base." He explained that in addition to the wartime mission, military personnel help out in times of humanitarian relief such as needed in response to Hurricane Sandy. "Since the time Sandy hit our eastern shores on Oct. 30, C-17 Globemaster III, C-5 Galaxy and C-130 Hercules aircraft have flown nearly 200 sorties, including more than 700 passengers and approximately 3,000 tons of cargo to that area of the world. Equipment, supplies and crews rank from kings of power company employees and blankets to generators, water pumps and utility trucks that are being used to restore power to areas devastated by disaster," he said. Thaden noted his father's military legacy from the Korean War and Vietnam War and how differently the nation has responded to his own service in comparison to his father's time. He thanked everyone for how differently the military members are being honored for their service. He asked those departing to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the country's heroes who have served in the past and remember that there are those currently fighting for our country and providing relief at home to disaster victims. "Remember their families, remember their loved ones, stand by them, support them, pray for them, and thank them," he said as he thanked all those who had worn this nation's uniform in defense of freedom. Honor a veteran with Jazz tickets through nomination BY EMILY ALLEN Intrepid Agency S ALT LAKE CITY — Larkin Mortuary is seeking Utah veterans to honor during Utah Jazz games throughout the 2012-13 season. Veterans can now be nominated on Larkin Mortuary's Facebook page (facebook.com/LarkinCaresUtah) receive two tickets to a Utah Jazz game and recognition during the game to honor them for their service. The first veteran honor took place on Nov. 10. "This is an opportunity for us to honor veterans who have served our country," said Spencer Larkin, CEO and vice president of Larkin Mortuary. "We are grateful for the many sacrifices they have made and look forward to recognizing these individuals and their accomplishments." Veteran nominations are now being accepted on Larkin Mortuary's Facebook page at facebook. com/LarkinCaresUtah . To be eligible for selection, all nominations must contain a photo and story of a Utah veteran. Nominations will also be accepted at . Veteran@LarkinMortuary.com to |