10th SWS remembers fallen during Memorial Day weekend

Published June 14, 2010
By 2nd Lt. Francisco Vazquez and 2nd Lt. Senta Brookshire
10th Space Warning Squadron

CAVALIER AIR FORCE STATION, N.D. -- Four members of the 10th Space Warning Squadron, along with local American Legion Posts in North Dakota, gathered to commemorate fallen servicemembers of all branches over the Memorial Day weekend.

Lt. Col. John Thomas, 10th SWS commander, spoke at eight different cemeteries throughout the local area on Memorial Day, some serving as the burial ground to veterans dating as far back as the Civil War. Several miles away, 1st Lt. Derek Day, 10th SWS operations flight, shared his gratitude with the veterans and people of Walhalla, N.D.

"For most, Memorial Day is a day off from work and sales at the mall. For many, it's remembering loved ones, fathers, grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers, and in today's environment, sons and daughters," Colonel Thomas said. "For a few, it's honoring a comrade in arms. Remember our servicemembers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, and continue to do so even today."

Kicking off the ceremony May 30, Maj. Assad Samad, 10th SWS director of operations, addressed a crowd in Edinburg, N.D., while Capt. Ruben Olivarez, 10th SWS operations flight, spoke to and met with veterans and families in Milton, N.D.

"On special events like this, I feel fortunate to be part of the Cavalier Air Force Station family, which grants me the opportunity to take part in thanking our servicemembers and veterans in the local area," said Major Samad. "And let us not forget that we still have men and women in harm's way."

Cavalier AFS is located about 15 miles from the U.S. and Canadian border. Stationed in a rural area filled with farm fields and small local communities, Airmen from the 10th SWS interact with local citizens on a daily basis and have become part of their daily lives. Everything from hosting Right Start events for local children to being guest speakers at Memorial Day ceremonies, Cavalier AFS is an integral part of the local community.