Gone but not to be forgotten

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott A. LaForest
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  Anything, anywhere, anytime. These three simple words simply describe the mission of the 29th Aerial Port Flight; a unit that has given its final salute.

The official deactivation statement ending the mission was read by Col. James A. Gray, 927th Mission Support Group deputy commander, during an emotional ceremony Sept. 23. "Due to changing mission requirements the 29th Aerial Port Flight is being deactivated effective Sept. 30, 2006."

Through the vision of wing leadership and the growing importance of logistics and air transportation, the flight was established in 2000. From its inception, the unit faced many challenges, serving to strengthen mission effectiveness and unit cohesiveness.

Being an Air Mobility Command asset, the unit had been tasked with being prepared for world wide deployment for DOD transportation requirements within 48 hours of notification. Training was of utmost importance to meet this ever increasing need during eras of high tempo operations, requiring troops to be prepared for anything, anywhere at anytime.

The core value of "Excellence In All We Do" was consistently demonstrated through individual performance, as evidenced by the awarding of multiple top performance awards to unit personnel.

The flight supported wing deployments and humanitarian aid missions in addition to many wing sponsored civic events. 29th Aerial Port Flight played an integral role in the wing's support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Southern Watch, Northern Watch and many more world wide taskings.

Current and former members of the flight like recently retired master sergeant Bob Bartkowski, and his wife Janice, were on hand to swap stories, look at photos and share memories.

Col. Gary Beebe, 927th ARW commander, said, "One of the most difficult things I have had to do since taking command of the wing is addressing the group of 39 members of the flight and telling them the unit flag was being taken down."

The flight and its people may be gone but will not be forgotten.