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Warren celebrates Armed Forces Day with local community

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stacey Fenton
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Members of Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren participated in Cheyenne's annual Armed Forces Banquet May 20 and the Armed Forces Day event at the Frontier Mall Saturday.

The events were held by the Armed Forces Day committee, Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce and Military Affairs Committee and Air Force Association, and included an opening ceremony as well as displays from Warren and other groups in the community.

The theme for this year's Armed Forces Day was "United in Strength" to emphasize not only the troops serving, but also the importance of the support they receive from home.

"It was exciting to see all the members of the community who came out to support us and to show them what we do on a day-to-day basis," said 2nd Lt. Josh Mann, 90th Comptroller Squadron and Warren's point-of-contact for the event. "It was rewarding working with the local vets. They have so much passion for the Armed Forces and would do anything to help out their members."

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, and an invocation by Capt. Myung Cho, 90th Missile Wing Chaplain.

Wyoming Senator Wayne Johnson served as the emcee for the event, and the speakers included Dr. Polly Baird, Associate Director of Patient Care Services at the Veterans' Affairs hospital; Navy Lt. Cmdr. James Washington, commanding officer of the Navy Operational Support Center in Cheyenne; Army Brig. Gen. Kathy Wright, Wyoming Army National Guard commander; Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston, 20th Air Force commander; and Mayor of Cheyenne Rick Kaysen.

"Our relationship with Cheyenne is a reflection of the support the Armed Forces receive throughout the country," General Alston said. "Thank you for your constant support and friendship, which enables us to accomplish our mission."

The ceremony concluded with a flag-folding ceremony and POW/MIA ceremony, both conducted by members of Warren.

Honor Guard members Airman 1st Class Hailey Snyder, 90th Security Support Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Maggie Green, 90th Medical Operations Squadron, performed the flag-folding ceremony.

Warren first sergeants Master Sgt. Todd Meaney, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron; Master Sgt. Steve Hart, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron; Master Sgt. Dan Ballinger, 90th Operations Group; Master Sgt. Gearold Crouse, 30th Airlift Squadron; and Master Sgt. Jeanine Steele, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron performed the POW/MIA ceremony, in which each of the Armed Forces were honored individually.

Members of Warren set up displays from various groups and squadrons showcasing to the public what they do every day.

The public had the opportunity to visit informational and hands-on displays from the 90th Medical Group, 90th Security Forces Group, 90th Mission Support Group, 90th Operations Group and 90th Maintenance Group.

Mayor Kaysen concluded his remarks by showing appreciation for service members living in Cheyenne.

"We are most grateful for your presence, friendship and commitment to Cheyenne," he said.