Warrior celebration

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing/ Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall Air Force Base hosted a Warrior Celebration at the Heritage Club Sept. 8 from 4 to 5 p.m. The event was held to welcome home deployed troops and to say farewell to troops deploying.

Airmen and their families were encouraged to attend.

"It is important to let the troops, as well as their families, know how much we appreciate their hard work and to honor their dedication to the mission," said Master Sgt. Kat Mygan, Family Readiness Manager, 325th Force Support Squadron.

Several agencies, such as American Red Cross, Family Advocacy, Mental Health, and the Tyndall Youth Center set up booths and stands.

The ceremony began with the reciting of the Airman's Creed followed by a short video compiled of images of Airmen hard at work, both at home and in the Area of Responsibility.

Shortly after, Brigadier General Darryl Roberson, Commander of the 325th Fighter Wing, gave a short speech encouraging the troops and thanking their families for all their support.

"To all the Airmen and their families I would like to say thank you for your daily contributions to America and the United States Air Force," said Brigadier Gen. Roberson.

As a final touch to the celebration, door prizes were donated from the Airman and Family Readiness and Marketing, 325th Force Support Squadron. Several webcams, as well as gift certificates to on-base agencies such as the bowling alley, Base Exchange and Bonita Bay Outdoor Recreation were given out.

For the troops deploying, the sense of pride was unmistakable.

"I am looking forward to my deployment, as a nurse there is no better experience than being able to help those in need," said Captain Lori Wichman, Nurse, 325th Aero-Medical Dental Squadron, who is deploying to Balad Air Base, Iraq.

However for the troops returning, there were no bigger smiles in the room.

"I am so happy to be home safe with my family and spend time with my children," said Staff Sgt. Arthur Lothrop, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Instructor, 325th Security Forces Squadron who just returned from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

Without the hard work and dedication of our Airmen, the Air Force would not run as smoothly and successfully.

"Thank you for all you do. It is my privilege to be your commander," said Brigadier Gen. Roberson.