![]() “When they see a uniform, they don’t really know what it means.”īranch, who served 31 years in the Air Force, said these ceremonies can help youth reconnect by realizing the daunting tasks often faced by veterans. “There’s a disconnect now with the younger generation because many of their family members have not served,” said Branch, who works as a middle school counselor at Fort Meade, Maryland. Hank Branch believes that today’s youth need to be reminded of these sacrifices. Many of whom have also made sacrifices, physical or mental. “We should give them what they’re due for their sacrifice.”īut the day does not only honor those no longer here, but also living veterans. “We have a lot of our brothers buried here,” he said, pointing toward the tombstones. The other one was captured and shot to death by a militia member, he said.Īlthough Richardson’s actions that day earned him the Air Force Cross, the service's second highest award, he stayed humble knowing that many others gave more. One of the Phantom’s crewmembers was later retrieved by another rescue unit. “We were shot off again and limped out of there with one engine, praying that we’d stay in the air.” “It was bad news,” Richardson said of the hot landing zones. The helicopter crew agreed to go back for the pilot. But a few more daring attempts proved unsuccessful and resulted in Richardson being wounded. “They shot the hell out of us,” Richardson, a 34-year Air Force veteran, said before the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. The first rescue attempt for the pilot was fraught with enemy gunfire as bullets pierced the helicopter’s engine exhaust, causing the crew to quickly abandon the area. Both ejected safely but they landed near enemy positions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. It was March 14, 1968, and Richardson, a flight engineer at the time, and others were called out to retrieve the Airmen after their F-4 Phantom II had been shot down. (AFNS) - The day when nearly 70 bullets riddled his Sikorsky HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" rescue helicopter as his crew tried to save two Airmen during the Vietnam War remains vivid for retired Chief Master Sgt. For those members who have served, who have made peace possible and have fought bravely for America’s freedoms, we thank you for your service and your sacrifice.ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va. ![]() I wish our entire UAW family an enjoyable day and ask that we all take some time to reflect on today’s meaning. We will never forget their bravery and dedication. Our union sisters and brothers who served are also America’s sisters and brothers. Our union has a proud history of commitment to helping our nation’s veterans, both at the local level and through our Veterans Standing Committees. ![]() In this, the UAW will continue to stand tall for our veteran members’ benefits, opportunities and That commitment to those who have served does not and must not end when their service ends and they return home. On this special day we are always mindful that while this holiday is about commemoration and reflection, it is also very much about renewing and ever investing in our nation’s solemn duty to care for our service members and to ensure they receive the resources they need. We will again remember the willingness and sacrifice of America’s veterans who served our country - service that deserves our lasting gratitude. We remember the men and women, and their families, who have made the ultimate sacrifice during wartime, those who made it through, and those who gave of their time and commitment during peacetime. This Veterans Day across our great nation, we honor the proud individuals who served our country. Citizenship and Legislative (CAP) Committee.Ethics Reforms Overview/UAW Ethics Officer.
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