Malmstrom remembers September 11

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Brosam
  • Malmstrom remembers September 11
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Team Malmstrom held a ceremony of remembrance Sept. 11, 2015, to recognize the attack on the United States 14 years ago in which thousands of people lost their lives.

The ceremony began with the recognition of names of the victims projected onto a screen. As the list of the names scrolled up the screen, it formed the twin towers with the word 'Remember.'

Chaplain (Capt.) William McMullan, 341st Missile Wing chaplain, began with an account of the events that took place that day.

"On September 11, 2001, a bright autumn day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our recent history," said McMullan. "Thousands of innocent men, women and children perished when mighty towers collapsed in the heart of New York City and wreckage burned in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. They were family and friends, service members and first responders, and the tragedy of their loss left pain that will never fade and scars our country will never forget."

In paying tribute, Senior Airman Courtney Youngblood, 341st Force Support Squadron food service journeyman, sang her rendition of the national anthem.

Chaplain (Capt.) Charles Kim, 341st MW chaplain, read scriptures from the Bible to share with the crowd in attendance.

Col. Tom Wilcox, 341st MW commander, then came to the stage to give thanks and reflect on this day.

"First we say thanks to every Airman, Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman and Air National Guardsman that are out there wearing the uniform every day, past or present," said Wilcox. "I believe you and the other thousands of men and women that put the uniform on have answered the call and continue to answer the call to help us ensure that this doesn't happen again."

Wilcox followed with his remembrance of the fallen and paying his respects.

"Always remember to take that minute out of your day on September 11 at 8:46 a.m. to honor those folks that had nothing to do with it, that were ambushed taking care of their families and their way of life."

Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Stiles, 341st MW command chief, said the ceremony is to remember those that paid the sacrifice and those that are continuing to pay, but also to send a message to those who committed these horrific acts.

"In the words of George W. Bush six days after the event, 'You have failed,'" said Stiles. "Remember the lives but remember the message: 'We're just as strong, if not stronger.'"

The ceremony concluded with the laying of a wreath by Wilcox and Stiles, a moment of silence, the playing of taps and a closing prayer by Chaplain (Maj.) Jason Botts, 341st MW chaplain.

Sept. 11, 2001 is a very memorable day for a lot of people, especially the ones who suffered from a loss or knew someone who was near when the event occurred.

Lt. Col. Michael McConnell, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron commander, said it changed the way we do business in the military.

McConnell has two older brothers. One was flying into or out of Boston that day, and the other was in Manhattan and watched the towers collapse to the ground. McConnell's wife, who was living in D.C. at the time, was commuting to work and that took her past the Pentagon.

"Within the space of an hour or two, I thought that potentially I could have lost two-thirds of the folks who are very, very close to me," said McConnell. "It was a very stressful time and a very tough day."

At the end of the day a 5K Ruck March organized by Staff Sgt. Kurtis Angevine, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron tactical response force assaulter, honored all who lost their lives in the events of 9/11.

"As Americans, this event shows our deep sense of patriotism and respect for the fallen," said Angevine. "Especially within the first responder community, I think this event brings us closer together and our commitment to the mission. Every single day Malmstrom stands tall in the defense of this nation and this ruck is just one example of our commitment to that mission."

President George W. Bush said it best the same night of the attacks.

"Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America," he said. "These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."