Raptor pilots visit with Veterans

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ashley Conner
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Reserve and active duty F-22 Raptor pilots from the 302nd and 525th Fighter Squadrons took some time on Veterans Day to give thanks to the men and women of the Armed Services that came before them.

Capt. Rich Stocker, 525th FS F-22 pilot, orchestrated the visit to the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer, Alaska Nov. 11.

"When I discovered the Pioneer home is state run and inhabited by 75% Veterans, I realized it was the best choice for us to show our support," said Stocker. "I knew all of the Veterans would appreciate our visit and I knew everyone attending would enjoy hearing stories from the past."

After spending some time talking with residents a small ceremony was held, which opened with Stocker reading a letter of thanks from Senator Lisa Murkowski, followed by the presentation of the Alaska Veterans Service medal to nine Pioneer residents.

"We come together with our active duty brethren to pay tribute to the men and women of Pioneer nursing home who served our Nation with pride and distinction," said Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th FG commander. "Their sacrifices are appreciated every day we live as free people and we are honored to recognize them along with their families."

The Reserve and active duty F-22 pilots who integrate on all aspects of the F-22 mission on JBER used this as an opportunity to bond with each other and Veterans who had a substantial impact on JBER and the military.

"One gentleman I spoke with had some great stories about how he helped build the runways and support facilities on Elmendorf AFB," said Lt. Col. Rob Jackson, 525th FS director of operations. "America would not be the country it is today without the service and sacrifice of our veterans."