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Vice President Cheney visits Scott Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Rhina Portillochacon
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Scott Rally kicked off with high spirits when Vice President Dick Cheney visited the men and women of Scott Air Force Base Tuesday as the country observed the third anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

More than 2,300 servicemembers gathered in Hangar One as Air Mobility Command’s Band of Mid-America’s pop ensemble, “Starlifter,” entertained the crowd with tunes while a slide of photographs depicting military efforts flashed on screens until Mr. Cheney took the stage.

“It’s an honor to visit Scott Air Force Base, one of the finest military installations in the United States,” said Mr. Cheney. “I am here very simply to say ‘thanks’ to the men and women here at the 375th Airlift Wing and its tenant units on the base. I admire your commitment to discipline, to duty and to service above self.

"It's a privilege to be in your company, and I bring the respect and good wishes of our commander in chief, George W. Bush."

Before making his way to the hangar, Mr. Cheney met with Gen. Norton Schwartz, U.S. Transportation Command commander.

“These are eventful times in the United States. I just had a few briefings of what you do and I am very impressed with what I saw,” said Mr. Cheney. “You are a clear representation of our Total Force.”

The vice president also praised the medical evacuation and airlift support the units at Scott AFB provided to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The 375th Medical Group and 375th Civil Engineer Squadron deployed more than 100 people to aid in the evacuation of victims and the city’s clean up.

"You were swift and skillful in a time of need for fellow citizens, and I know the people of the Gulf Coast will never forget what you did for them," he said.

Mr. Cheney then told the group about his pre-Christmas visit to Afghanistan and his discussions with troops there.

"I thanked them for their service, for all that they've done to bring freedom, stability and peace to a troubled part in the world," he said. “It is impossible to list all that our coalition has done in Afghanistan – and when our forces return home from that part of the world, they can be proud of their service for the rest of their lives.

“Our strategy in Iraq is clear, our tactics will remain flexible, and we'll keep at the work until we finish the job. Progress has not come easily, but it has been steady, and we can be confident going forward. The only way to lose this war is if we quit and that is not an option,” he said as the crowd cheered.

Mr. Cheney also directed a few words to the family members, especially those who have lost a loved one during the Global War on Terrorism.

“Our nation grieves for the brave men and women whose lives have ended in freedom's cause. No one can take away the sorrow that comes to the families of the fallen,” said Mr. Cheney. “These Americans served in a noble and a necessary cause and their sacrifice has made our nation and the world more secure. We will honor their memory forever.”

At the end of his speech, Col. Raymond Rottman, 375th Airlift Wing commander, introduced nine servicemembers and a recruit who received the Oath of Office from the vice president.

“It was an experience of a lifetime, it is a chance that most people never get and it was an honor to have my fiancée and her mother there to witness it,” said Senior Airman Joseph Terrell, 375th Medical Operations mental health technician. “It made me proud to wear the uniform.”

Scott members sent the vice president off with the Air Force song. This is the first time Mr. Cheney visited Scott AFB while holding the vice presidency.

Reenlisting during the Scott Rally were:
Master Sgt. Eric Ervin
Tech. Sgt. Dwayne Leadbetter
Tech. Sgt. Keith Moser
Staff Sgt. Morgan Dixon
Staff Sgt. Angela Grannis
Staff Sgt. Kholifa Kabia
Staff Sgt. Rebecca Place
Senior Airman Randall Lederman
Senior Airman Joseph Terrell

Enlisting in the Air Force: Kyle McQuiston