514 AMW volunteers participate in Wreaths Across America

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Johnny Carawan
  • 514th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
JOINT BASE MGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Fifty Air Force Reserve members of the 514th Air Mobility Wing, here, attended the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. on Dec. 11.

Annually volunteers around the country meet in more than 500 cemeteries across the U.S. on the second Saturday in December to honor the nation's veterans by placing wreaths on the headstones of these fallen heroes.

This year 514 AMW volunteers along with their family and friends, helped place wreaths on headstones located in Sections 28, 38, 43, and 60 of the Arlington National Cemetery.
The opening ceremony took place in Section 28 where Patrick Hallinan, Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, and President of the Worcester Wreath Company, Morrill Worcester, provided welcoming remarks to several thousand volunteers. Since 1992, the Worcester Wreath Company has been donating wreaths for this now nationwide event.

Following the opening remarks, 514 AMW participants proceeded to Section 60 and participated with the off load of wreaths from tractor trailer trucks before laying them at numerous sites within that section.

The JB MDL group had the honor of laying wreaths at two sites that held more personal significance.

Lt. Col. John Eliopolo of the 514 AMW and other wing attendees participated in a special wreath placement at the headstone of the colonel's brother-in-law, Maj. Brent Williams. Major Williams perished with Raider 21, a B-52 Stratofortress, which crashed July 21, 2008 off Guam's Northwest coast. Colonel Eliopolo told attendees about the life of Major Williams and how he exemplified the core values of the Air Force.

The Reservist also joined together in honoring World War II Ace and Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Thomas B. McGuire (1920-1945) by placing a wreath at his site in Section 11. Serving as an unofficial historian, Tech. Sgt. (Ret.) Raymond Mejias spoke on the history of Major McGuire. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, home to the 514 AMW, is named in honor of Major McGuire.

"This has become an annual event for the 514 AMDS and it is an inspiration for our Airmen and their families to participate in honoring and remembering our fallen service members during the holidays by ensuring that they are never forgotten," said Col. Paulette Schank, commander, 514th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

Volunteers from the 514 AMW participate annually in the wreath placement at Arlington National Cemetery. Participation is open to everyone, service members and civilians.

Staff Sgt. Johnny Carawan of the 514th AMDS assists in coordinating the wreath laying logistics for the wing. For more information or to participate in next year's event, please contact Sergeant Carawan at Johnny_Carawan@nps.gov.