Mighty Ninety volunteers, shows appreciation for Wyoming veterans

Published Oct. 28, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Last week, volunteers from the Mighty Ninety assisted veterans living in and near Wyoming during the final Honor Flight.

Honor Flight was initially created to give World War II veterans a chance to visit their memorials in Washington D.C. free of charge. Since then, the Honor Flight has expanded to include veterans of other foreign wars.

In recognition of this being the final Honor Flight, the Mighty Ninety continued to show their respect by lining the streets of the parade field and saluting the veterans as they were driven around the base.

"I personally want to thank all who participated in the send off and return home for the Honor Flight participants," said Col. Christopher Coffelt, 90th Missile Wing commander. "What an absolutely awesome display the Mighty Ninety put on for these men and women who served our country at a critical time in our history.

"Seeing the dedication of our wing on display for our veterans was awe-inspiring, and something I see in various ways every day as we execute our nuclear mission," Coffelt added. "Never have I been more proud to be your commander."

Air Force Global Strike Command's Mighty Ninety members who volunteered for this flight were charged with aiding the veterans while in Cheyenne, Wyo. Some of the volunteer responsibilities were providing transportation, assisting with baggage, helping with hotel check-in and check-out, and escorting the veterans boarding the plane.

After the veterans were escorted around the base, they were taken to the Cheyenne Municipal Airport so they could board a 737 and fly to Washington D.C. to view their memorial.

"It was really a great experience," said Airman 1st Class Shaquayah Cade, 90th MW Command Post emergency action controller. "There was this one vet, Ray, who I really connected with. He shared stories of how he had been to D.C. before they even built the [World War II] Memorial.

"I really learned a lot from this experience," Cade added. "They were really appreciative the entire time. It was definitely an honor to be a part of the whole thing."

Upon the veterans' return the next evening, members from the local community and base were waiting at the airport, waving flags and holding signs expressing their gratitude, to welcome home these heroes.

"It was a very humbling experience honestly, because they kept thanking us for being out there," said Master Sgt. Brian Hill, 90th MW/CP superintendent. "I told them that it was us who should be thanking them, because if it weren't for them, we wouldn't be here today."