Local community salutes Eglin’s Airmen

  • Published
  • By Jasmine DeNamur
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Dorm-dwelling Airmen got a taste of southern hospitality during a barbecue held in their honor Oct. 29. 

The Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee rolled out the red carpet during their first "Salute Our Troops" barbecue held on the dorm grounds in honor of Eglin Air Force Base's dorm residents. 

"We were thinking of ways to recognize these Airmen and thank them for what they do," said Joyce Sanders, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce life director. "We took some suggestions from the base leadership and decided to put on a barbecue for them." 

Airmen were treated to a barbecue dinner, music, games, and door prizes ranging from DVD players to complimentary hotel accommodations across the nation. 

"What impresses me the most about these Airmen is their youth and their enthusiasm about what they do, and they do it because they want to. We just wanted to thank them for making that sacrifice," said Ms. Sanders. 

"This is just one example of the great support we receive from the surrounding community," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing Commander. "I'm especially proud of our Airmen and their volunteer service to our country." 

"We have 18 and 19-year-olds working on million-dollar aircraft and they get the job done efficiently. What other organization is like that?" said Master Sgt. Laprell Ellis, 728th Air Control Squadron first sergeant and president of Eglin's First Sergeants Council. "Each and every one of them carries a huge responsibility, regardless of what their duties are." 

More than 170 Airmen residing in the dorms accounted for a combined 26,536 days of temporary duty for contingency operations thus far in their early military career, and most have been deployed before the age of 23 while being stationed on Eglin. 

"These Airmen are very proud of what they do and to be recognized means a lot to them," said Sergeant Ellis. "What also means a lot to them is a sense of belonging - being part of something, and this barbecue did just that." 

"The majority of them don't even have family in the same state. It's good to know we have a community here that's so family oriented to provide them the same or similar comforts as they would get back home," he said. 

Dorm residents filtered in and out of the barbecue site, providing a constant flow of Airmen just coming off of duty, those wanting to grab a quick bite before beginning their evening shifts, and those just wanting to enjoy the festivities. 

"These Airmen are the sons and daughters of mothers and fathers who can't be where they are," said Ms. Sanders. "Every time I see one of these Airmen, I always make sure to tell them, 'thank you for everything you're doing to keep our country safe.' I am so proud of them and very much appreciate the sacrifices they're making for me and for us as a nation."