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470th ABS honors America's first president

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  • By Staff Sgt. Andrew Caber
  • 470th Air Base Squadron
GEILENKIRCHEN NATO AIR BASE, Germany --  More than 120 U.S. Air Force Airmen gathered behind the U.S. post office here Feb. 17 to pay tribute to the first president of the United States.

The 470th Air Base Squadron gathered to recognize Presidents Day, which is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington's birthday.

The squadron broke into four different formations, with one unique formation being made up of 470th civilian contractors, giving them a chance to participate in this military tradition.

All formations were dismissed after they paid respect to the flag. The retreat participants gathered in the U.S. National Support Unit conference room together to socialize and enjoy some food from a local restaurant, which was provided by the U.S. Chapel.

"It was a good experience to take time out, give respect to the flag and get back to the core of our patriotism, serving our country," said Staff Sgt. Jared Hogue, U.S. Clinic mental health technician.

The American military conducts retreat ceremonies, among several reasons, to signal the end of the duty day or week and give the proper respect to the U.S. flag. The 470th ABS and other U.S. Airman assigned to NATO here often host these ceremonies when entering into a holiday weekend or to show respect on anniversaries of tragic events such as Sept. 11, 2001.

So while people are away from home and not able to celebrate larger events that occur at many military bases, these smaller events help to keep morale up as well as a little bit of home in our pockets while serving here in Europe.
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