Memorial Day: The View from My Position

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Andrew J. Frankel
  • 349th Mission Support Group
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  If you are reading this, you are a "sheepdog" or you support the "sheepdogs." 

I describe us in that manner because we, in some way, protect the flock from those threatening our way of life.

If you are a sheepdog, you don't need a civics lesson on the importance of Memorial Day.  With every flag-draped coffin, we have witnessed firsthand its importance. With that in mind, I will skip the lesson and simply share the view from my position. 

For me, this holiday becomes more and more important with every passing year because the number of us who serve in uniform has been reduced as our standing military has been drawn down. With that drawdown, the public perception has become further detached from their sheepdogs. 

I choose to believe that it is only a perception. That the outpouring of respect that we enjoy, especially when travelling in uniform isn't hollow. It is genuine and it continues to grow.  When my father came home to California in 1969 after a year of service in Vietnam, it was suggested that he change into civvies before walking through the airport. 

When I came home from deployments in 2006 and again in 2011, I received standing ovations in that very same airport.  I choose to believe our fellow Americans have grown to have a greater appreciation for their sheepdogs.

In anticipation of this day of commemoration for the men and women who died while in the military service, I take time out to remember our fallen, those who serve and those who have served.  I think of time spent at attention and all the salutes offered during fallen comrade ceremonies. I think of the weight of the coffin on my shoulder when I loaded it onto an aircraft after several of my fellow sister squadron members were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan. I also remember the smile, the look of gratitude and grim determination on a defender's face as we loaded him onto a medical evacuation flight after he and his dog had stepped on a mine during an off-base patrol. 

I have gotten to the point in my career where I regularly get the opportunity to address civic audiences on topics like this one.  I never pass on an opportunity to share stories about the commonalities between today's Airmen, and those who have served before us. I share how you embody the same courage, commitment and desire to make your families proud and our country great. 

So sheepdogs, before we part company, I ask you to take a minute out of your day, survey the terrain from your positions, check in on your fellow wingman and remember the line of great men and women who precede you and the families who have supported them and who carry on in their absence.  God bless and stay frosty.