Vice President visits Selfridge

  • Published
  • By Thomas Schmidt
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  Vice President Dick Cheney attended a rally here July 10 thanking "Citizen-Airmen" for their dedication and encouraging them to continue the fight against terrorism.

Military people from all branches of the armed services at Selfridge, along with a throng of family members, military retirees and civilian employees, filled the hangar to near capacity to catch a glimpse of the vice president. Nearly 1,000 people greeted the vice president in his first historic visit to the base.

"I have immense respect for Citizen-Airmen, and you should be proud of the tremendous difference you make in our country," the vice president told the enthusiastic crowd. "I am very grateful to the Selfridge units for the sacrifices that have been made in the Global War on Terror, and our country is fortunate to have you on our side. The Global War on Terror is a battle for future civilization and one which we will win."

The rally opened with presentation of colors by the Selfridge Joint Honor Guard, and the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, performed patriotic music. Team Selfridge set the stage for the vice president's arrival with aircraft static displays. Selfridge set out a KC-135R Stratotanker from Air Force Reserve Command's 927th Air Refueling Wing. The Michigan Air National Guard displayed F-16 Fighting Falcons and C-130 Hercules transporters. The Coast Guard had on hand one of its HH-65C Dolphin helicopters.

In addition to thanking service members and their families, Mr. Cheney praised employers for their sacrifices in the war on terror. "The support of employers is greatly appreciated during the deployment of our troops," he said.

Master Sgt. Michael Weir of the Air Force Reserve's 63rd Air Refueling Squadron from Selfridge, said it was gracious of the vice president to take time to thank the people of Selfridge.

"His speech was full of words of encouragement and emphasized the country's efforts in the GWOT," said Sergeant Weir.

Staff Sgt. Stephanie Palembas of the Air Force Reserve's 927th Operations Support Flight said she was inspired by the vice president's remarks.

"His words seemed to come from the heart, and I felt a deep sense of loyalty and camaraderie as he spoke," she said. "Our leaders literally have the weight of the world on their shoulders, and he gives the impression that they truly care about each and every military member."

With pomp and circumstance completed, Mr. Cheney spent a few minutes personally greeting well-wishers and signing autographs as he mingled with the crowd.