Freedom Wing proved ready to respond to 9/11 tragedy

  • Published
  • By Col. James DiFrancesco
  • 514th Operations Group
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  As Sept. 11 approaches, it is again time for reflection. No one could have imagined the tremendous impact that Sept. 11 would have on our lives, then and now.

Despite the tragic nature of the event, we can be proud of how many of our wing's Airmen responded. Our wing took immediate action responding with refueling fighters over the skies of New York City and Washington, D.C. We stood ready and fulfilled the immediate mission. It is the spirit and the fight of Freedom Wing Airmen that has built our rapid readiness; we stand ready at all times.

Since that day, each and every one of us has made a contribution to our nation's response to those horrific events. Many members of the 514th Air Mobility Wing responded immediately, our aircrews and medics went on immediate alert, ready to answer the call of duty.

Several hundred critical reservists were mobilized, with thousands more volunteering for duty above and beyond expectation. Many of our Airmen are homesteaders in the New York City metropolitan area and were committed to defend their hometown. Many also served as civilian firefighters, police officers and medical technicians responding to Sept. 11 in each of their distinct capacities.

The wing has continued its post-9/11 deployments. Many Airmen have deployed multiple times. Each deployment is met with difference challenges and sacrifices. These challenges and sacrifices are shared by family and friends who are called upon to support the Airman's call to duty.

Reservists, with the support of their families, friends and employers, made the commitment that will continue to make a difference now and in the future.

As we pause to reflect on the tragedy, let's think of the thousands that perished on that fatal day and how in some way they too fought for a better America. As a nation, we must not forget those who perished. As members of the 514th Air Mobility Wing, we will always stand ready to serve our nation.