Wolf Pack Airmen attend President Obama's Veterans Day speech

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  More than 50 Wolf Pack Airmen equipped with coats and cameras boarded a bus at 3 a.m. Nov. 11 bound for U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Republic of Korea.

The group braved the cold, three-plus-hour bus ride to take advantage of a rare opportunity to listen to President Barack Obama speak in person.

U.S. Forces Korea invited 7th Air Force units to take part in the president's salute to veterans on Veterans Day at USAG Yongsan, said Maj. Stewart Wells, 8th Fighter Wing director of staff and officer in charge of the trip.

"The invitation was sent to the groups (here) to pick their top one percent, their most-deserving, and those Airmen were selected to go," he said.

Senior Airman Soleil Devicais, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, was one such Airman.

"I didn't live in the United States for a long time ... I got my citizenship in 2009, and I've never seen any of the U.S. presidents speak," she said. "This is a great privilege to see the president!"

Senior Airman Clare Warden, 8th Force Support Squadron, also attended the event.

"It's not very many times that you get offered the chance to meet the president, so I took it when I was asked," she said.

When Wolf Pack Airmen arrived at USAG Yongsan, it would be another four hours of checking in, badging and security processing before arriving at the Collier Field House. In attendance were approximately 1,400 U.S. and Republic of Korea military members of all ranks and services, Veterans of Foreign Wars members and families.

The room quieted as Army Gen. Walter Sharp, USFK commander, took the stage to give an opening welcome, followed by Army Specialist Courtney Newby, who was given the honor of introducing President Obama.

But then the crowd roared, cameras flashed and the band played "Hail to the Chief" as President Obama took to the stage.

"Hello Yongsan!" the president said as he greeted the crowd. "It is an enormous honor to be here. As president of the United States, I have no greater privilege than serving as commander in chief of the finest military the world has ever known. And on this Veterans Day, there's no place I'd rather be than right here with U.S. Forces Korea."

The president arrived in Seoul to attend the G-20 summit Nov. 11 and 12, but took time out to address and honor the troops with a Veterans Day message.

"On this day, we honor every man and woman who has ever worn the uniform of the United States of America," said President Obama. "We salute fallen heroes, and keep in our prayers those who are still in harm's way. We recall acts of uncommon bravery and selflessness, but we also remember that honoring those who've served is about more than the words we say on Veterans Day or Memorial Day. It's about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year by making sure they have the care they need and the benefits they have earned when they come home. It's about serving all of you as well as you've served the United States of America.

"It's been one of my highest priorities since taking office," the president continued. "It's why I asked for one of the largest increases in the VA budget in the past 30 years; it's why we've dramatically increased funding for veterans' health care; it's why we're improving care for wounded warriors, especially those with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. It's why we're working to eliminate the backlog at the VA, and are reforming the entire process with electronic claims and medical records. It's why there are fewer homeless veterans on the streets than there were two years ago. It's why there are nearly 400,000 veterans and their families who are going to college because of the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill. So I want all of you to know, when you come home, your country is going to be there for you. That is the commitment I make to you as commander in chief."

President Obama recalled the events that occurred after the United Nations' decision to use Armed Forces to repel the attack on South Korea from North Korea, beginning Sept. 15, 1950, and recognized the Korean soldiers in attendance who fought in the war.

"Sixty-two veterans of the Korean War have returned to be with us here today," he said. "Gentlemen, we are honored by your presence; we are grateful for your service. The world is better off because of what you did ... I would ask that you receive the thanks of a grateful nation."

He also gave special recognition to former U.S. Private Hector Cafferata, who was present and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Korean war.

"Each of these men served their nation with incredible courage and commitment," said President Obama. "They left their homes and their families and risked their lives in what's often been called 'the forgotten war.' So today, we all want you to know this: We remember. We remember your courage. We remember your sacrifice. And the legacy of your service lives on in a free and prosperous Republic of Korea."

Before closing, the president reminded the crowd of the sacrifices also made by Americans during the war.

"At the Korean War Memorial in Washington [DC], there's a plaque right near the inscription that lists the number of Americans who were killed, wounded, missing in action, and held as prisoners of war," he said. "And it says 'Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.'

"A country they never knew and a people they never met. I know of no better words to capture the selflessness and generosity of every man or woman who has ever worn the uniform of the United States of America," President Bush continued. "At a time when it has never been more tempting or accepted to pursue narrow self-interest and personal ambition, all of you here remind us that there are few things that are more fundamentally American than doing what we can to make a difference in the lives of others."

"And that's why you'll always be the best that America has to offer the world," he said. "And that is why people who never met you, who never knew you, will always be grateful to the friend and ally they found in the United States of America. So thank you for your service. May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you."

His address to the crowd was inspiring. After the speech, the Wolf Pack Airmen in attendance expressed their enthusiasm. Airmen Devicais and Warden said they were excited.

"As soon as he walked out, I was like, 'Oh my God' and I started clapping -- it was awesome," Airman Devicais said. "It was only 20 minutes, but it was well worth it."

"It was absolutely worth it," Airman Warden said. "His speech was phenomenal, so motivating. I want to deploy right now!"

The group boarded the bus back to Kunsan, conversation buzzing as everyone shared their experience and enthusiasm about meeting their commander in chief.