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Warren Airmen help memorialize fallen Americans

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Wiese
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Members of the Cheyenne, Wyo., community hosted the American Veterans Traveling Tribute in Lions Park from June 24 to 28 for the third year, drawing crowds of teary-eyed veterans, families of veterans and patriots to view the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The AVTT also comprises memorials to fallen and wounded Americans from other conflicts throughout U.S. history.

Many Mighty Ninety Airmen volunteered their time for various reasons to make the event possible.

Airmen helped set up displays, spoke at opening and closing ceremonies, directed people to the location of their loved ones' names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall replica and participated in a weekend-long effort to read every name on the wall.

"I chose to read because I had a grandfather serve in the Marines, and on my mom's side, my granddad was in the Army," said Airman 1st Class Angelique Torrence, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron defender who took a shift reading names from the wall. "They took the time to serve and protect the country so we can have the freedoms we enjoy. I'm just following in their footsteps."

Others had different reasons for wanting to be part of the AVTT.

"I've always wanted to see the actual Vietnam Wall," said Staff Sgt. Ashley Dalessandro, 90th Medical Operations Squadron medical technician, who volunteered to work the information kiosk helping people find their loved ones' names on the wall. "I saw the opportunity that the wall was coming, so I volunteered."

F.E. Warren Airmen played a large part in making the tribute a success, said Jim Wood, Cheyenne businessman who helped organize the tribute's visit. The Airmen's logistical efforts were invaluable, and they helped many visitors find their loved ones' names.

The large turnout of visitors to the tribute shows a lot about the bond between Cheyenne and the military, said Airman 1st Class Nicole Thompson, 90th MDOS public health technician, who also volunteered at the information kiosk.

"It says they care about what happened to those who died," Thompson said. "I think it's equal parts military and community who make this event happen."

F.E. Warren leaders, with dignitaries and leaders from local government agencies and other service branches, took part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the tribute's visit. Maj. Gen. Jack Weinstein, 20th Air Force and Task Force 214 commander spoke at the closing ceremony June 28.

"It's hard not to feel humbled by all those people that have given their lives in the defense of our nation," Weinstein said. "So, my hat's off to the greatest generation: those generations of Americans that served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world today -- they are indeed the greatest generation --and for an American public today that supports our veterans better than any group of people on the planet."