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Ambassador talks base future with CSAF

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael Meridith
  • Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A longtime friend of the Warriors of the North recently had a chance to meet with the highest levels of Air Force leadership and discuss the future of Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Marijo Shide, the 319th Mission Support Group's honorary commander and one of the base's "ambassadors," met with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Mosley and a score of hand-picked community leaders from around the nation June 22 and 23 at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Although Mrs. Shide expressed appreciation at being part of the group, she modestly dismissed her hand-picked selection. The group includes some of the most prominent civic leaders in the nation, all selected on the basis of their outstanding support of their local base.

During her trip, Mrs. Shide attended a basic military training graduation and had the opportunity to meet with wounded servicemembers at Brooks Army Medical Center. She added that one event in particular became the highlight of the trip for her.

"We attended a Purple Heart presentation for a servicemember wounded in Afghanistan when the Humvee he was riding on became the target of an improvised explosive device," she recalled. "He received burns on 60 percent of his body and had been wearing "soft clothing" and been unable to walk. Four days before the ceremony, he made up his mind to wear his uniform and walk during the presentation. He did both and his image will forever be etched in my mind."

In addition to experiences like this, she also said that one of the best parts of the trip was the opportunity to speak candidly with Gen. Moseley about the future of the Air Force and the base as it faces a host of challenging issues over the next few years. She was particularly impressed with his assertion that "regardless of rank, Airmen remain the heart of the Air Force."

In the end, Mrs. Shide said she was honored by the opportunity and that the experience strengthened her already deep appreciation for the military.
"Freedom is won and protected at a high price. I am grateful for the precious gift of freedom and I thank God for the Airmen who put service before self to make this gift possible," she said.