Milestones reached for new heroes

Published March 22, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Ian Carrier
386 AEW/PA

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- From the onset of military aviation, significant achievements
have been recognized. Beginning with the First
World War, fl yers credited with 5 kills or more were
awarded the designation of "Ace". This tradition continues
to this day.

During World War II, due to the intense danger of the
job, 25 combat missions was the milestone for bomber
crews. The movie Memphis Belle was made as a document
to such an event.

The Vietnam confl ict created a new mission, new challenges,
and the advent of "100 Sorties" patches.

While fighter and bomber pilots reap accolades and have
Hollywood fi lms produced about them, the current confl icts
in Afghanistan and Iraq are producing heroes of their own
kind. Modern day Aircrews are quietly and bravely fl ying
their way into the history books.

On Dec. 15 and 16, ten members of the 737th Expeditionary
Airlift Squadron were awarded certifi cates and tabs
to signify the completion of their 100th combat missions.
The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Colonel Howard
Ward Commander, 737 EAS commander.

"A Squadron's recognition program says a lot about a
squadron and its accomplishments," said Colonel Ward.
"This program honors endurance, stamina."

These Airmen; Officers, Noncommissioned Officers,
and Enlisted Men alike, have taken part in missions as varied
as Operations Joint Forge, Enduring Freedom, Southern
Watch, Iraqi Freedom and beyond.

The missions themselves were just as varied as the
operations. One Airman airlifted the Interem Vice President
of Iraq on a fact-fi nding mission. Another fl ew a rescue
mission when the USS Cole was attacked. The list goes
on for the service members of the 737th who have spent a
signifi cant part of their lives away from their homes, family
and friends to support the Global War on Terrorism, and
provide a "Lifeline to Operation Iraqi Freedom."