Solid foundations keep warriors strong, ready

Col. Robert Kane
86th Airlift Wing commander


***image1***Sept. 11, 2001, will always be remembered for the terrorist attacks that killed and injured thousands of Americans in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in the skies over Pennsylvania.

This attack on our homeland hurt us in many ways and on many levels as we watched events unfold.

And as painful as those memories are, what will always stand out most in my mind is the surge in patriotism and the feeling of unity and pride in being an American that prevailed in the rescue and recovery efforts and military actions that followed.

Americans have always been slow to anger and are an incredibly resilient group of people, but when the sleeping giant is awakened watch out because we only fight to win.

As we reflect on what happened that day and since, we should be proud of the fact that America has heeded the call to lead the world in the fight against terror.

Today is day 1,095 in the Global War on Terrorism and warriors of the 86th Airlift Wing and Team Ramstein are engaged right now on the front line of this fight.

All of you, my brothers and sisters in arms, continue to amaze me with your selfless efforts locally and around the globe. I am proud and humbled to be your commander in this fight.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank the heroes behind the scenes that truly make our efforts to protect freedom possible, the spouses and family members left behind.

As you all know, this is likely to be a very long fight, and you know better than anyone the sacrifices involved in this war.

Keeping the family foundation strong and grounded is a difficult and sometimes thankless job, but you drive forward daily — sometimes with a smile, many times with a tear, but you should always have pride in what you are accomplishing at home.

Thank you again for your efforts in supporting our warriors and know that you have my personnel support as well as the support of the whole 86th Airlift Wing and Team Ramstein.

This Sept. 11, take time out to remember the victims of the attacks and the reasons that we are involved in this struggle for freedom.
I challenge you to think of the folks deployed right now and see if there is anything you can do to help their families while they are gone.

The fight is going to be a long one, but it’s a cause worth fighting — everyday we are taking the fight to the enemy in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, but also be confident and proud in the fact that, around the world, at the same time we are laying the foundations of freedom for the future.

Men and women of the 86th Airlift Wing and Team Ramstein, thanks for all you do everyday in the defense of freedom — take care of yourselves and take care of each other — YOU GOT IT!