US flag is returned five years post 9/11

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachel L. Bernardes
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  In 2003, Maj. Eric Szillus, then captain, hung an American flag flown at Ground Zero in a fitness center-turned medical staging area at the 86th Airlift Wing in Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Major Szillus, a Reserve clinical nurse at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., was a New York City firefighter and first responder at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. 

The flag was given to him by New York City firefighters for motivation during his subsequent military deployment to Ramstein AB in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Three years later, the flag formally returned home. On June 22, Brig. Gen. Erwin F. Lessel, former commander of the 86th AW, now Air Force Director of Communications, paid a visit to NYC Engine No. 227 in Brooklyn, NY to retire the flag. General Lessel spoke of how important such gestures between military and civilian civil servants are. 

"It's important to establish relationships and get the Air Force story out to the public," said the commander. He also believes both groups share a special bond. 

"[We] have a lot in common. We both put service before self. Some really special ones serve in both," he said referring to the firemen who are also reservists. Fireman Mike Stone, who has been with Engine 227 for four years agreed. 

"There is camaraderie present between the Armed Forces and the firefighters. We both put our lives on the line." Fireman Walter Kowalski was also pleased with the opportunity for contact between Airmen and firefighters. 

"I was proud that I was part of a company that was part of the interaction between the city and the larger picture, the war on terror," he said. 

Kowalski along with members of the 227th is proud of the service of such firemen/reservists as Major Szillus, and proud such a token as the flag contributed to the mission. "It made us feel good about what they were doing overseas, which made us feel good about what they were doing over here." 

"The flag was always a symbol of the company," said Lt. Mike Dorkings as he spoke of how long they have flown the flag on their engine. "It meant a lot then-means a lot more after 9/11." 

And now, nearly five years after 9/11, and three years after it's moral boosting trip to Ramstein AB, the American flag once flown on Engine 227 at Ground Zero made its final stop. 

Fireman Billy Martin, who received the flag from the general, explained the significance of the event. "There are many flags, but this one is, 'more personalized.' It means more to our company."