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| News > Commentary - Lajes commander thanks "A"irmen for passion, purpose, pride |
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Col. Jose Rivera, 65th Air Base Wing commander, gives the Polish ambassador to Portugal, Skorzynska Katrzyna, a tour of Lajes Field June 11. (Photo by Lucas Silva)
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Lajes commander thanks "A"irmen for passion, purpose, pride
Posted 6/28/2012 Updated 6/28/2012
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Commentary by Col. Jose Rivera
65th Air Base Wing commander
6/28/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- April, Sofia and I are grateful for the opportunity to have served with you during the last two years. You welcomed us with open arms and gave us a sense of community that is rare these days. You embody what is good about both of our nations. We are free people, dedicated to our families, our institutions and our countries; dedicated to the values of hard work, selfless sacrifice and the promise that with respect for each other our collective futures will be better.
We've served together at a time of conflict. Examples of today's fight are all around us. Warriors deploying for the nth time, aircraft on their way back and forth to/from the AOR are common occurrence. Our nations called and you answered... every minute, of every hour, of every day ... you are "In the Fight!"
While fighting today's fight, you have taken care of each other. Our magnificent Lajes "A"irmen are resilient and look for ways to look after each other. After hours, you volunteer and follow your passion for service. We take care of the families of our deployed warriors. Your pride is evident as you go around our installation and marvel on the upkeep and state of our facilities. Our family members are working with us side by side as we strive to defend our values and serve our nations.
You took our relations with our host nation to new levels. Our operational integration with Air Base 4 is a model for all to follow. Our relationship is built on common values and respect. The 65 ABW Portuguese "A"irmen have served our common cause with pride for over 60 years. They are an integral part of mission and keep us in the fight. The residents of Terceira opened their communities and their hearts... showing us the wonderful Azorean culture and enriching our lives in ways that others only dream of.
Never have you shied away from a challenge. Staff assistance visits, distinguished visitors, inspections came and went... you always exceeded the mark. You did this by rallying around a common cause to show the world that Lajes is ready. You define what a winning team is all about.
Thank you for your passion, purpose and pride. It's been an honor to be part of this amazing formation. For that, we'll forever be grateful. |
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