A respectful sendoff

WYOMING – “Why us?”

That’s the only question a U.S. Air Force colonel said he heard from those who were stationed at the 92nd Aerial Port Squadron of the Air Force Reserves when he met with them Sunday morning before a deactivation ceremony at the Reserves center.

The Air Force Reserve Command is condensing the number of reserve bases across the country – part of an ongoing effort since Sept. 11 to increase security measures at all military bases. The 92nd is one of six squadrons to be shut down by the end of 2007.

“The needs of the Air Force changed a great deal over the last few years. We have a lot of new technology, and we’re just doing things a lot differently now,” Col. George Raeder, of Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Atlanta, Ga., told the troops and guests who attended the deactivation and awards ceremony.

Raeder said the decision to deactivate the squadron was not a reflection on the squadron’s performance.

“You’ve done a tremendous job. I thank you, and the rest of the leadership chain up through the Air Force Reserve Command recognizes what you have done. You should hold your heads high,” Raeder told the squadron.

He said some of those who spoke before him touched on other reasons for the deactivation.

One of those speakers was retired Col. Charles Attardo, a past commander of the squadron.

“We honor the proud record of the 92nd and the patriots who served their country under this banner. Unfortunately, we must acquiesce to the politics involved in deciding which units stay and which units are retired,” Attardo said.

Attardo said one of the proudest moments of his life came as the squadron’s active duty commitment was winding down in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the active duty commander called him in to his office.

He said the commander told him: “‘Politically, I cannot say this publicly. But I want you to know that the 92nd was the best unit of all the aerial port squadrons that were here, and I include my own. You ought to be very proud.’ And I am,” Attardo said.

“The retirement of this flag has nothing to do with how proudly or well you have served. If it did, instead of being here, we’d be standing in the White House Rose Garden. I say to each and every one of you … stand tall, be proud. You are the 92nd. You are the best,” he said.

Before the deactivation order of the secretary of the Air Force was read and the squadron’s flag retired, squadron commander Lt. Col. Patrick Riley presented awards and medals to 18 squadron members. He then presented medals and American flags to a dozen retiring members of the squadron.

The spouses of longtime retiring squadron members were honored with certificates of appreciation.

Riley also presented plaques bearing anthracite coal to Chief David Hodges, Master Sgt. Phil Price, Master Sgt. Patty Baines and Chief Master Sgt. Peter Stidham, the four of whom he called “the bedrock on which our squadron rests.”

The retiring Riley was then presented with a medal and flag for his 29 years of service. He was also presented with awards and certificates from the 53rd Aerial Port Squadron, which he previously commanded, the Larksville American Legion and his 92nd Aerial Port Squadron.

After thanking his wife, Molly, for her support, Riley said that although he’s too old for his two passions in life – playing baseball and serving in the Air Force -- coaching his son PJ’s baseball team and seeing his daughter, Capt. Jennifer Dettman, serving in the Air Force, make up for it.

“What I’m most thankful for is to have had the opportunity to serve. Being a part of this squadron, being a part of the 53rd, being a part of the Air Force and part of the military has defined me … throughout my entire life,” Riley said, choking back tears.

Riley said that by speaking at schools as a representative of the Air Force, he hopes he “set an example for the young folks to follow because … in this society, we’ve lost a lot of commitment, a lot of service before self.

“It’s important that you folks who wear the uniform … know you’re setting an example for the rest of the people, the rest of the country, because you’re the shining light. You’re the ones sacrificing … for the mission,” Riley told his squadron.

After the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. Stidham, of Lehighton, said he had mixed feelings about the deactivation.

“I’m feeling sad because it’s closing. But I also feel good because a lot of the guys we trained, they’re going to be going out, and they have the experience and the attitude of this area and they’re taking it to other units. And by that, we’re propagating a good military. … A lot of guys went to Iraq and got all this experience and they’re taking it with them to other units. I’m proud about that part,” Stidham said.

ON THE WEB

Go to www.timesleader.com to see additional photos from the 92nd Aerial Port Squadron’s deactivation ceremony.

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