11/12/2009 - (Center) 1st Lt. Nicolas Schaeffer, 18th Munitions Squadron systems flight commander and Kadena honor guard assistant officer-in-charge, prepares teammates Staff Sgt. Kristofer Talbott and Airman 1st Class Christopher Gangloff for performance during the early morning hours of Veteran's Day. The Kadena honor guard and approximately 200 servicemembers representing all military branches paid tribute to the Nov. 11 holiday honoring those who served in the military - both past and present. (Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake)

11/12/2009 - (Center) 1st Lt. Nicolas Schaeffer, 18th Munitions Squadron systems flight commander and Kadena honor guard assistant officer-in-charge, issues orders to his teammates as they prepare for a ceremony in early morning hours of Veteran's Day. The Kadena honor guard and approximately 200 servicemembers representing all military branches paid tribute to the Nov. 11 holiday honoring those who served in the military - both past and present. (Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake)

11/12/2009 - (Center) 1st Lt. Nicolas Schaeffer, 18th Munitions Squadron systems flight commander and Kadena honor guard assistant officer-in-charge, issues orders to his teammates as they prepare for a ceremony in early morning hours of Veteran's Day. The Kadena honor guard and approximately 200 servicemembers representing all military branches paid tribute to the Nov. 11 holiday honoring those who served in the military - both past and present. (Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake)

11/12/2009 - Members of the Kadena honor guard raise the American flag before the start of a Veteran's Day ceremony held at 18th Wing Headquarters Nov. 11. Approximately 200 servicemembers, veterans, friends and family attended the event honoring servicemembers who have served in the past and present. (Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake)

11/12/2009 - Retired Navy Petty Officer Third Class Harry Thomas, a World War II veteran and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9723, renders a salute during the national anthem as Kadena Air Base celebrated Veteran’s Day Nov. 11. Mr. Thomas and approximately 200 servicemembers, veterans, friends and families honored veterans with a formal ceremony in front of 18th Wing Headquarters. Mr. Thomas served as the guest speaker for the second time in two years. (Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake)

11/12/2009 - Tech. Sgt. Bronkelly Porter, 390th Intelligence Squadron information and quality assurance and Kadena Honor Guardsmen, presents a Veteran's Day wreath before Navy Petty Officer Third Class Harry Thomas, a World War II veteran, during a ceremony honoring the national holiday Nov. 11. Approximately 200 servicemembers, veterans, friends and family participated in the ceremony, including Mr. Thomas who spoke about the importance of military service and brotherhood that exists between those who have served in the past and those who continue to serve in the present. (Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake)

11/12/2009 - Kadena Honor Guardsmen Staff Sgt. Kristofer Talbott, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron, and Senior Airman Marc Pillarda, 18th Communications Squadron, fold the American flag shortly before the start of a Veteran's Day ceremony held at 18th Wing Headquarters Nov. 11. Approximately 200 servicemembers, friends and families attended the event as well as retired veterans from the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars units. Petty Officer Third Class Harry Thomas, a retired Navy corpsmen from World War II, spoke about the importance of military service to the nation and reassured servicemembers that retired veterans "will always watch your back." (Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake)