SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Approximately 300 deployed service members from four coalition nations gathered for a joint Veterans Day and Remembrance Day ceremony in remembrance of past and present veterans at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Nov. 11.
The relationship between the United States Air Force and partnering nations extends well beyond the precise air strike missions that are currently dismantling Da’esh in Operation Inherent Resolve.
“True friends celebrate each other's moments of joy and share the heartache of one another's sorrows,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael, 380th AEW chaplain and speaker at the ceremony. “At the same time -- particularly in this joint service -- we stand beside each other to shoulder one another's sorrows as we honor, mourn, and remember those who sacrificed their very lives for the protection of others, for humanity.”
Members of the Royal Australian air force, Royal Danish air force, Royal air force and U.S. Air Force laid wreaths in honor of veterans who helped pave the way and those currently serving.
“We are in this deployment together -- the rewards and the challenges, the heartaches and the hopes,” said RAAF Chaplain Senini. “We are connected with the spirit of service and sacrifice of those who have come before us, and those who will come after us, of all our partner nations.”
The colors were presented with a joint Honor Guard comprised of deployed service members representing the four participating countries. The opportunity to memorialize with partnering nations created a unique opportunity for 380th AEW Honor Guard member Senior Airman Keshia.
“It’s an eye-opener,” said Keshia. “This is my second deployment, and I’ve always worked with guard or reserve. But to go outside of the air force – it’s amazing, it’s different, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to do it.”
At the closing of the ceremony, TAPS rang throughout the base and a USAF KC-10 Extender completed a fly-over.