Base leadership attends vet medallion ceremony

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Senior Master Sgt. Arthur Sizemore was one of five brothers who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II and beyond.

He and 26 other veterans were awarded Patriot Medallions of Honor and Remembrance by the Non-commissioned Officer Association Sept. 30 at the Air Force Enlisted Village.

"This ceremony was designed to help our fellow Americans understand freedom is not free and many brave men and women changed their very life in order to keep this country free," said Chief Master Sgt. Mac McVicar, NCOA chapter president. "These men and women here today are the reason we live the American dream."

Base leadership attended the event, both officer and enlisted. They sat among the veterans during lunch and swapped stories and related to life in the military, then and now.

Among them was Maj. Gen. C.R. Davis, Air Armament Center commander, who also spoke prior to the medallion presentations.

"To say you are the 'greatest generation' is truly an understatement," said the general. "We are honored to recognize you here today."

The general spoke about the opportunities in today's military made available by the sacrifices of those that came before.

The general and former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James Binnicker, presented the medallions and took photos with each of the veterans.

"It was terrific, a real honor," said retired Sergeant Sizemore, on receiving his medallion.

This was the first medallion presentation held at village by the NCOA, but more are planned for the future.

"(The veterans) goal was simply to keep our country free at any cost and for that we say thank you, job well done," said Chief McVicar.