MSgt. Angela Tristan, The Asheville Citizen Times, Editorial Page, June 27, 2010.
I am the First Sergeant for the United States Air Force's 14th Weather Squadron. We are an active duty unit with the good fortune of being assigned in Asheville. We are a small contingent, but we are at the forefront of military meteorology. Our airmen frequently deploy to remote sections of the world.
Our airmen do all they can, in the time they have, in the place they are. Whether it's supporting Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministries in feeding the needy, providing logistical support for Honor Air flights for World War II veterans to visit Washington, D.C., driving convoy duty in an Iraqi province, or providing combat support, our airmen make a difference. Our honor and color guards performed at more than 100 events last year including the humbling task of final honors for WNC veterans' burials. I am so very proud of my airmen for their commitment to duty, mission and country. Just as I am proud of my airmen, I am thankful for the support of the local community. You treat our airmen like family. I have a heartfelt appreciation for the community's formal support programs, such as gift certificates from local businesses for our outstanding performers' recognition awards. It's the informal support that leaves me awestruck ... Brownie Troop 30226, Junior Troop 30083 and Cadette Troop 30059 provided countless boxes of Girl Scout cookies and cards to our deployed airmen as reminders of home. Mrs. Kellie Webb's fourth-grade class at Weaverville Elementary wrote hundreds of thoughtful letters to them for holidays and birthdays. Besides caring for our deployed airmen, the community provides for our families. You educate our children and give our spouses job opportunities, knowing we will leave all too soon. We receive world-class specialized care for our children with exceptional medical needs right here in Asheville. I am especially thankful to the churches for strengthening our spirituality and providing a quiet place to gather at the loss of an airman, a soldier, a Marine, or a sailor.
Just as importantly, I am grateful for your selfless efforts. Daily I am stopped and thanked for my service with a handshake, a smile, or a hug from someone I've never met. An older gentleman in front of me in line at the post office quietly left money to offset the cost of a morale box I was sending to Afghanistan. A young family on their summer vacation stopped me on Patton Avenue to pray with them for my airmen'safekeeping.
My lunch has been paid for by anonymous patrons. In fact, twice in the last year, we have gathered to say goodbye to fellow airmen being reassigned or deploying and someone bought lunch for our entire group. The most recent event was at Asiana last month. A gentleman named Tommy B. picked up a hefty check. A few of us had the opportunity to shake his hand before he quickly turned and left the crowded restaurant. He wanted no thanks. He left a simple note that I posted in our squadron for all to see. It reads,”Me and my family appreciate all you do. Thank you for our freedom.God Bless You All.”
I'm writing this column as a simple thank you to Tommy B. and all of the others who support my airmen and other service members. Your efforts and deeds mean more that you could ever know. God bless you, and God bless America.
MSgt Angela Tristan is First Sergeant with the Air Force 14th Weather Squadron in Asheville.
