Operation Holiday Cheer

Korean and Vietnam War veteran Ralph Cox and his wife, Alta, pass through the saber arch with their active-duty military escort for the day, 1st Lt. Katherine Mines, 341st Force Support Squadron chief of food operations. Every veteran was acknowledged by the saber team. (U.S. Air Force photo John Turner)

Korean/Vietnam Vet memorial

Staff Sgt. Jared Bobic, 341st Force Support Squadron sports director, looks over the storyboards with Vietnam War veteran Jerry Traxinger and his wife. One board was developed for each of the branches of service with a special fifth board telling the story of the tootsie roll's part in sustaining the troops. (U.S. Air Force photo/John Turner)

Korean/Vietnam Vet memorial

Elementary School children from throughout Great Falls made "Welcome Home" placemats that were presented to the Korean and Vietnam War veterans that attended the first event in their honor hosted by Malmstrom leadership and supported by numerous volunteers. More than 60 veterans attended. (U.S. Air Force photo/John Turner)

Team Malmstrom unites to honor those who served before them

Published Nov. 15, 2012
By Valerie Mullett
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The Grizzly Bend was the host site for Malmstrom's first-ever "Welcome Home" event honoring veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, who may not have received a proper welcome home when they served.

More than 60 veterans braved the winter weather along with well-over 100 active-duty military volunteers who came out to escort and honor their special guests.

"I felt like I was a VIP and was being honored for my service," said retired Navy and Vietnam War veteran Denis Miller. "Having our escort remain with us during the event added to the feeling that we were appreciated."

Once everyone had a seat and after some reminiscing about their time on active-duty, the formal portion of the program began. It included the posting of the colors and singing of the national anthem, invocation by Chaplain (Capt.) Keith Manry, acknowledging the POWs/MIAs and a roll call of the veterans in attendance.

Guest speakers were Great Falls Mayor Michael Winters and the 341st Wing Commander Col. H.B. Brual, who both spoke once all the veterans' names had been read.

"What does it mean to say 'Welcome Home'?" Winters asked. "We are home. And today, we all gather here to say welcome home to all of you - welcome home to all of us who've had the honor and privilege to serve our country."

Brual thanked the veterans "for honoring us with your presence." He then explained how he came up with the idea to host the event.

"We wanted to do a little bit of payback, recognize your efforts and make sure you receive the same welcome home that we receive today," he said.

"Our Airmen continue your tradition - your tradition of defending our nation and your tradition of pursuing liberty," he added. "Thank you so much for your service."

The Honor Guard returned to conduct the flag folding ceremony while the emcees narrated; a final thank you was given and the escorts presented their veterans with a memento to take home - a challenge coin that reflects the conflict they served in.

"I think that Malmstrom going out of its way to put this on for the veterans is really an outstanding gesture," said Korean War veteran Russ Jacques.

After talking with many other veterans attending, Miller said they felt that they were finally welcomed home.

"The active-duty personnel all expressed their thanks for our service and were an integral part of making us feel welcome," he said.

But the veterans, unknowingly, may be the integral part of why today's troops are welcomed home with such emotion.

"I believe that if it wasn't for the way they were treated, and having America reflect on that, I wouldn't be getting the welcome home that I receive today," said Tech. Sgt. John Sinner, 819th RED HORSE Squadron member who has been deployed four times. "Each time I come home it's like the first time, every time."

Event organizers hope to make this an annual event.