Squadron Key Part of 'Thank a Service Member' Day
OSWEGO -- When the Oswego community decided to host a "Thank a Service Member (TASM)" event, the Civil Air Patrol became involved in the planning and "had the privilege of playing various supporting roles," noted F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron Commander 1st Lt. Jennifer Holdren.
Ten squadron members participated, as servicemen and women, along with veterans, were honored Sunday, July 26, at Ft. Ontario State Historic Site. They supplied the color guard, escorted honorees and guests to seats, and assisted in set-up, directing pedestrian traffic, fielding questions and greeting military personnel.
The color guard team, led by C/SMSgt Christian Williams, included C/SMSgt Austin Zappala, C/A1C Sarah Lamb and Cadet Alex Shannon. C/TSgt Josh Davidson and Cadet Elliot Mills directed honorees and guests to their seats. Senior members participating included Capt. Earl Holdren, Capt. Mike Kieloch, and 1st Lt. Kerland Ritchie.
Squadron Commander Holdren, who had been asked to serve on the six-person TASM Planning Committee, assisted Col. Kurt Carver, vice dean for education at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in presenting special TASM Campaign Coins to honorees. She handed him the coins to present to honorees as he expressed deep appreciation for their service.
“It was a profound and moving experience," said Lieutenant Holdren. "I felt so privileged to shake hands with the men and women that are currently serving and have served and fought for our freedoms. It especially was emotional to meet and hear the stories from those who were there for their deceased loved ones. It is something that I will never forget.”
TASM Chair Peter Allen said the event was a great success, with about 350 honored, and four generations represented. He and others also voiced tremendous appreciation for the color guard and F.R. Sussey’s participation.
"Mr. Allen looks forward to a continued relationship and involvement with the F.R. Sussey Squadron for upcoming TASM events," Lieutenant Holdren said, adding:
"It was a wonderful experience, privilege, honor and duty for our cadets and senior members alike. It gave us an opportunity to see and meet the 'heroes' of our great nation, and serve amongst our community. I was especially pleased to see one of our own, Lt Kerland Ritchie, receive an honor coin from Colonel Carver. He served as a Marine until he retired. I am proud to have him as a member of F.R. Sussey.”
Sussey Squadron is part of New York Wing's Central New York Group and is based out of Oswego County Airport in Fulton.
CAPTION FOR ABOVE PHOTO: 1st Lt Jennifer Holdren assists West Point's Col. Kurt Carver in presenting honor coins.
Photos by CAPT. EARL HOLDREN
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TOP LEFT: Service members, veterans and relatives gathered under a big tent for the "Thank a Service Member" day. |
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For Media Inquiries:
1st Lt. Bob Stronach, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Central New York Group, Civil Air Patrol
(315) 796-9468