News Search

Sabers see how yesterday's missions built today's Air Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
PERLE, Luxembourg --  Col. Chris Weggeman, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, along with members of the 81st Fighter Squadron and their families, visited World War II sites and memorials in Luxembourg and Belgium as part of the squadron's family day Nov. 4.

The day was set aside for the families to learn about their squadron and Air Force's history together along with their honorary commander, Roger Feller, who invited them out.

"It's always important to find time to focus on families," Weggeman said. "They are the most important part of our lives. Everyone's wellbeing starts with their family and household. If family is being supported, [Airmen] are far more effective at their jobs, no matter what their job is."

This trip was hosted by Feller as a way to thank Saber Airmen for their commitment to preserving the freedom their predecessors granted Feller's homeland, Luxembourg, and neighboring country, Belgium, in World War II.

"It was you that did this," Feller said as he pointed and talked to the Airmen . "You liberated us on [Sept. 10]. That was the nicest day in my life - thank you. I say thank you to you all because you are doing it again in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Feller went on telling stories of his experiences during WWII as an 8-year-old boy who didn't even know what chocolate or shoes were until he met American soldiers.

"We longed to be free and we are now thanks to you," he said. "I never went hungry again after the 10th, and I got my first pair of shoes from a GI. I couldn't figure out how to walk in them correctly. I would shuffle down the street, but at least my feet were covered."

Thanks to the soldiers, his feet weren't the only thing being covered.

"The first American I met was 28,000 feet above me," he said. "When the [P-51] Mustangs came in, it sounded like music."

He showed the Sabers sites where the "music roared," to include a memorial where U.S.

Army 1st Lt. William Harrell Nellis crashed his P-47 Thunderbolt, the Mardrasson Memorial honoring those who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the 385th Bomb Group Museum, which showcases the 81st FS's history and lineage to the bomb group.

"It's incredible to see this history," said Senior Airman Carla Buckner, 81st FS aviation resource manager. "It shows how important the heritage of our squadron is. This is like learning about our ancestors."

Others shared the same sentiment and got a new perspective on how the 81st FS affect the overall mission to fly, fight and win.

"It's eye opening to see what our job builds up to -- how it supports the mission now and how it supported the mission then," said Airman 1st Class Michael Passanando, 81st FS aviation resource manager.

Feller explained to the Airmen how crucial their service was to the liberation of these two countries.

"The Air Corps did the greatest job because they kept the Germans from moving," he said.

Seeing these links to the Air Force's history not only helped Airmen understand how providing strategic airpower has helped win yesterday and today's fight, but how continuing to provide strategic airpower strengthens bonds with joint and coalition forces.

"When you get to see and hear about World War II through the memories of an 8-year-old boy, it makes it real," Weggeman said. "That perspective, on the sacrifices of World War II veterans perpetuates the bond between the people of Europe and the people of America, who will forever remember that freedom is not free."