Command Chief speaks at Wall High School

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The auditorium was pin-drop silent as Chief Master Sgt. Brendan Criswell, 17th Training Wing Command Chief, took the stand to address a packed audience of local veterans, students, teachers and community members during the Wall High School Veterans Day assembly Nov. 11.

Noting that there is no tribute, commemoration or praise that could truly match the magnitude of the service and sacrifice of veterans, Chief Criswell offered a moment of silence during his speech in remembrance of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and their families who have served and the sacrifices they have made for their nation.

Chief Criswell recalled the history behind Veterans Day, which was born in the carnage of a war that shook the nations of the world for four years and claimed 20 million lives --World War I. Then known as "The Great War" and the "War to End all Wars," World War I finally ended with the signing of the Armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Since then, nations commemorate that event with a moment of silence with solemn pride in remembrance of the heroism of those who have served, those who are currently serving and those who have died in our country's service.

Chief Criswell said that moment has intense personal meaning to him.

"In my moment of silence, I think about roadside bombs placed by terrorists in the Middle East," he said. "I think about an Army sergeant first class who I worked with in Augusta, Ga. I think about the early morning phone call informing me that her fiancée was just killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq. I think about her reaction when I had to tell her and then try to help her decide how to tell her 2-year-old daughter that daddy won't be coming home."

The chief added that Veterans Day is a day to remember the brave men and women who, above all else, believed in and fought for a set of ideals, and chose to serve a cause greater than them, those who serve today, in a time of persistent conflict, enduring tour after tour in distant and difficult places to protect us from danger and give us the opportunity for a better life.

One of those was Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, a member of the 17th Security Forces Squadron who was killed by a roadside bomb three months into her deployment. Airman Jacobson was the first female Airman killed in the line of duty supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"She paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and you too can remember her as you enter the base today through the Jacobson Gate named in her honor," the chief added.

The chief also said even though we call this a holiday, for many veterans, it's another day of memories that drive them to live their lives each day the best they possibly can. For our troops, he said, it is another day in harm's way; for their families, it is another day to feel the absence of a loved one, and the concern for their safety. For our wounded warriors, he continued, it is another day of slow and arduous recovery, and for others, it is another day when the grief of loss remains fresh.

Thanking the veterans, Chief Criswell said all Americans should spend their days rejoicing in their service and remind themselves that because of them, our country still stands, the founding principles still shine and nations around the world that once knew nothing but fear now know the blessings of freedom.

The chief concluded by thanking the students, adding that freedom was in their hands and they are the next great generation that will pick up where the veterans of the past and the active duty of today leave off.

Russell Dacy, Wall High School principal, thanked Chief Criswell and said the speech gave the audience a true perspective of what the day was about and reminded students of the freedoms they enjoy daily because of the servicemembers' sacrifices.

Bella Lopez, the Wall Student Council President, said the Veterans Day assembly is a tradition for them to recognize local and community veterans who have served the country.

"We all take pride in attending to show our appreciation to the men and women who have fought for our freedoms," she said. "We are honored and grateful that Chief Criswell took time to be here to help us better understand the importance of this day."