The other night we had the Wing Commander Commander's Call for officers. This was to recognize our achievements during this rotation. As we were in our seats waiting for the room to be called to attention, my friend who is an orthopedic surgeon sat down beside me and explained that it was a bad day today as some of our men had died in an IED explosion. As we were discussing all of the medical issues, the room was called to attention. General Rand started his comments with the history of the 332 Air Expeditionary Wing. Those who serve in the 332 are known as Tuskegee Airman because it started as the Wing for the now famous black pilots. He went on to explain the recent honor the few remaining pilots received from President Bush. In recognition for their heroic efforts during WWII they were given the Congressional Gold Medal. After finishing his remarks Bush saluted the airmen, saying he wanted to offer the gesture to "help atone for all the unreturned salutes and unforgivable indignities" they endured. Bush then went on to say that we as a country were indebted to these men. One of the pilots responded that with this award the debt was paid in full. The General took quite some time explaining all that these pilots had accomplished and how "they had to fight for the right to fight". I feel indebted to these men for the doors they forced open for my son. General Rand then spent time speaking of the many achievements that were accomplished during our almost four months here. He thanked us for all we had done.

Next he paused and his voice quivered a bit. He then asked how many of us had spouses. About half of the room raised their hands and I could feel tears welling up. He explained that he felt that it is harder on the spouse than for the one deployed. They are the ones who have to keep the house and the children together while we are gone. They wait by the phones, struggle with the children, and have to manage everything. He wondered how hard it must be to watch CNN when your loved one is in harms way. He then said, "Please tell your spouses, I thank them for all they have sacrificed for you to serve here." He then asked how many have children and a few less people raised their hands. The General said, "Please thank your sons and daughters, for all they have done without by having you here." Deployments are hard on children and my family has not escaped the pain. Imagine a child lacking the security of whether a parent will ever come home. They live with a parent who struggles to keep it all together and watches them as they cry from sadness, fear or frustration. He then asked how many still had parents living and most raised their hands. My mom is overjoyed when I call and sends me cards and care packages frequently. I am quite confident that she has prayed more for me than I have prayed for her or myself. He said, "I think it is hardest on the mothers to have their sons and daughters at war. Please thank your parents for me." He then asked how many were grandparents and a few raised their hands. What he stated next rang true for all of us in the large tent. He stated what we are doing today has a direct impact on the life of the grandchildren represented in the room. Joseph Lieberman wrote a very articulate OpEd piece recently discussing that Al-Queda has left us with on one choice and that is to stay and stabilize the region from the terrorists. I would encourage everyone to read the short article. It can be found in the April 27 edition of The Washington Post.

The General explained that only 20% of the Air Force has been deployed to Iraq and thanked us again and reminded us of the honor of being a Tuskegee Airman. Over the past two years I have spent 8 months in Iraq. I thank all of my family for being such a wonderful support and on behalf of General Robin Rand, thank you. You have served me valiantly.

It is a true honor and with great pride that I can call myself a Tuskegee Airman.

Solis Deo Gloria

More thoughts to come,