Air Force Leaders offer Memorial Day message to Airmen Published May 24, 2012 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Gaston 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Top Air Force officials offer a Memorial Day message to Airmen and their families as May 28 and the holiday weekend approaches. As we remember our fallen, captured, or missing service men and women, we also express our deep gratitude to those who are currently defending our Nation, said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. Today, more than 33,000 Airmen are deployed around the world. The men and women who answered the call by saying, "Send me," truly exemplify Service Before Self. Recently, over 100 Airmen from Dobbins Air Reserve Base also answered the call and were deployed in direct support of military efforts in Southwest Asia. Families and senior 94th Airlift Wing staff were present for the send-off on May 7. In addition to recognizing the service of our fellow Airmen, we also pay tribute to the families of those who have fallen or who have been wounded while serving our country, said Donley and Schwartz. For these families--the husbands and wives, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers--every day is Memorial Day. We will not forget those who are fallen, captured, or missing service men and women left behind, and to whom our debt of gratitude can never be repaid. Chief Master Sgt. Wendell L. Peacock, 94th Airlift Wing command chief, invites Dobbins Airmen to observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to pay tribute to Americans who've died in military service. "As we all enjoy the Memorial Day weekend, let's not forget what Memorial Day represents," said Peacock. "Thank you, for all you do for Team Dobbins and our great Nation!"
