Veterans honoring veterans Published Nov. 14, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Joshua Edwards 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Both amateur and seasoned veterans alike came to together with family and friends for a Veterans Day observance hosted at the Mathis Field Vietnam Memorial Nov. 11. The observance started with the Harmony Belles, a non-profit San Angelo choir, singing the national anthem and featured speeches from Col. Kimberlee Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander, Dwain Morrison, San Angelo's mayor, and Mike Conaway, Representative for Texas's 11th congressional district. "I am proud and honored to be here today to help celebrate this version of the veteran's celebration," said Conaway. "The reason we have Veterans Day is that every generation of America has to produce that small select group who'll raise their right hand and agree to protect our country against all enemies both foreign and domestic, then take the risks and the chances that men and women in uniform take. That'll only happen if we respect and honor and show dignity to the men and women who've gone ahead of them." Conaway's speech led into Morrison's speech where he gave his thanks to veterans everywhere and said how proud he was to be at the observance. After Morrison spoke, retired Master Sgt. Tom Davis presented him with a plaque for his years of service to the military community in San Angelo. The next speaker was Col. Joos spoke about the history of the 17th Training Wing and why veterans day is important to her. "Today, we remember all who served this great country, since even before its official inception as an independent nation 237 years ago," said Joos. "We veterans of the armed forces of the United States are all united in one very important way, we serve to protect an idea. Today every service member whether officer or enlisted swears an oath to protect the idea embodied in the Constitution of the United States of America. Our common oath and our dedicated service to defend the Constitution is what unites us veterans in an unbreakable bond." Davis ended the observance by sharing the names and history of four veterans who's memory they honored through four new paving stones, added to the ones already surrounding the Mathis Field Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
