Memorial Day ceremony honors servicemembers past, present

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The sun shines bright as a slight breeze blows. Small American flags line the cemetery's numerous head stones. Old Glory flies at half-staff. Members of Team Offutt come together to honor those who served before them. Today is about remembrance. 

Offutt honored servicemembers past and present during its Memorial Day ceremony at the Offutt AFB Cemetery May 25. 

Maj Gen. Abraham J. Turner, chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command, said its truly an honor to pay homage and respect to those who've gone before us; those who've given the ultimate sacrifice in support and defense of the United States. 

"As we gather in this sacred cemetery, we are filled with the spirit of men and women who've fallen on the field of battle, and we renew the ideals they lived for; freedom, liberty and justice," General Turner said. "The headstones we see here are powerful reminders of the hardships endured and sacrifices made to secure our country's freedoms." 

The general called on all servicemembers to carry on the legacy of the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines who served before them. 

"We can never turn back the unforgiving hand of time and reclaim the lives lost. We can never fully thank those who gave that last full measure of devotion, nor can we lift that weight of loss or the ache of sorrow that family members have endured over the years," General Turner said. 

"What we can do is remind all citizens across this great nation, that we are and will always be eternally grateful for the blessings of peace, security and prosperity that were brought to us by their service," he continued, "what they deserve most of all from all of us is to carry forth and define the ideals they lived for. That's our responsibility." 

Col John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander, explained why it's important to pause and honor America's veterans. 

"It's important to reflect on the accomplishments of the millions of men and women who've served before us, whose many achievements have allowed us to enjoy more freedoms, liberties and rights than at any other point in our great nation's history," Colonel Shanahan said. "It's appropriate for us to remember their service and sacrifice, because without what they've done we would not enjoy the blessings we have today." 

The colonel also asked members of Team Offutt to remember the more than 5,000 men and women who've been killed, and the 30,000 who've been wounded in contingency operations since September 2001, as well as servicemembers who are in harm's way right now. 

During the ceremony, the Offutt Chief's Group and First Sergeant's Council laid two wreaths at the base of the cemetery flag pole. "The wreaths symbolize our appreciation for those who served before us," said Chaplain (Capt.) Jeff T. Cooper, a reserve chaplain with the 55th Wing. 

"The freedoms we enjoy and our way of life is because of them," Chaplain Cooper added. 

Memorial Day has a special significance for one of Offutt's chief master sergeants. 

Having served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and knowing people who have been killed in action, this day has an even greater importance, said Chief Master Sgt. Victor B. Rountree, superintendent of the 55th Comptroller Squadron. 

Chief Rountree recalled serving with Staff Sgt. Christopher Frost, who was a member of the Kirtland AFB, N.M., public affairs office. While he was deployed to Iraq, Sergeant Frost was part of Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, which is responsible for organizing, training, equipping and sustaining Iraqi Security Forces.

When he was deployed September 2007 - January 2008, the chief met up with Sergeant Frost. The two sergeants shared their experiences while deployed. Before too long Sergeant Frost's flight was called and they said good bye. 

That was the last time Chief Rountree saw or spoke to Sergeant Frost. 

He was killed along with seven members of the Iraqi Air Force when an Iraqi Mi-17 helicopter crashed in a dust storm March 3, 2008.

Chief Rountree smiles and his eyes look toward the sky as he remembers Sergeant Frost. 

"When I think about him today, my heart still twinges for his loss. We worked closely together on a few projects and he was able to make things happen. Sergeant Frost had a strong but quiet demeanor -- smart and yet, able to put one at ease at the same time. He was a professional writer and I enjoyed working with him," the chief said. 

"The first week in March, we got the news that the wing had lost a member in a helicopter crash," Chief Rountree said. "Somehow in my heart I knew it was Scott, but waited to hear officially who it was. Unfortunately, it indeed was him. The wing felt a great loss because he had touched each of us through his journalism and photography." 

"When I think about him, I think about his voice; although it may be silenced in death, it still speaks out from the articles he wrote, the stories he told, and the photographs that captured the essence of his message. He's the kind of Warrior that I'm honored to have served with," he said

The chief also said all Americans should take part in Memorial Day services, but stressed it's critical for servicemembers to do so. 

"Servicemembers serve for many reasons, but when we raise our right hand and take the Oath of Enlistment, we do so knowing we may be called upon to lay our lives down; and we must be willing," Chief Rountree said. 

Because of that commitment, its vital servicemembers do their part to honor the sacrifices of one another, he explained. 

Following the wreath laying a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps" concluded the ceremony. As attendees exited the cemetery, some stopped to pay tribute to their loved ones who now call Offutt's cemetery home, soldiers shook hands with Airmen, servicemembers past and present thanked one another for their service.