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Kirkuk Airmen commemorate five year OIF anniversary

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq --  Hundreds of Airmen convened to commemorate the fifth year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom March 20 here.

The ceremony focused on the sacrifices of the 42 Airmen who gave their lives supporting the war in Iraq.

Col. Timothy Strawther, 506th Air Expeditionary Group commander, somberly recited the names of each fallen Airmen to an attentive formation during the ceremony.

"These 42 Airmen weren't specific to any career field, rank or age, but were all people who shared the common bond that represents what we are as a service," Colonel Strawther said. "I would suggest a majority of these fallen Airmen were under the age of 25 and joined after the 9/11 attacks -- knowing full well what they were getting into."

The ceremony included a 21-gun salute and flag folding ceremony performed by the base honor guard, and ended with a bag pipe performance of taps and "Amazing Grace."
The 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron also set up a memorial in-front of the formation to honor the sacrifices of two Airmen from the 727th EACS who died during combat operations in 2003 and 2004.

"Sounds of conflict occur everyday around us, but more importantly we are giving the people of Iraq an opportunity for a better tomorrow," Colonel Strawther said. "I don't know how long the U.S. will be here, but I know as long as the Air Force operates in Iraq we are truly going to make it better."

The Airmen who were in attendance during the event seemed to feel the ceremony was a fitting tribute and served as inspiration for their dedicated service, said Tech. Sgt. John Dunne, 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter.

"Five years is an important milestone, and we need to take time to reflect on the gains made and losses suffered," he said. "The ceremony gave us some time to re-focus our efforts to the importance of our mission, while honoring all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. I feel we're not only here to spread freedom to Iraq but to also defend those same principles at home, and it is truly an honor to serve for my county and Air Force."