Red Cross honors local military with thank you banner

Published Jan. 7, 2014
By Bill Fortune and Arnett Luce
American Red Cross

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The words "Thank You" can be powerful in almost any situation. Combine them with the words "for your service and sacrifice" and they take on a whole new level of impact. On Dec. 18, members of the Red Cross Service to Armed Forces program presented a large banner with those words inscribed on it to the Peterson Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The 5-by-7 foot banner was created by the Red Cross Colorado Service to Armed Forces Program to show support for those who serve, and have served, in America's Armed Forces. On Veterans Day and following weeks the banner was posted in public forums to allow members of the community to also express their thanks and appreciation.

The banner was inscribed with the phrase, "Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice" at the top, and the silhouette of a serviceman in the center followed by the words, "from the American Red Cross and the Residents of Colorado." Over a three-week period hundreds of people wrote touching thank you notes on the banner.

"The idea was to give our community a chance to say thank you to those who serve," said James Griffith, Service to Armed Forces manager. "It may seem to be a simple gesture but it carries a strong message of support."

Col. John Shaw, 21 Space Wing commander, accepted the banner on behalf of the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

"Thanks so much for recognizing and supporting the outstanding service of our Airmen," said Shaw.

The banner will remain on display in a classroom at the Airman and Family Readiness Center where Airmen and their families receive support and information before they deploy, during deployment and when they return. Master Sgt. James McClung, NCO in charge of the Airman and Family Readiness Center was at the presentation.

"As a military member who has deployed many times, a banner such as this reminds me of the support I have from my community," said McClung. "We are honored to accept such a gift so that our deploying members will always have a reminder of the support they have, and will continue to have, from the local community and the Red Cross."

The American Red Cross has provided humanitarian support to the United States military, veterans and their families for more than 130 years. Through the Service to Armed Forces program, the Red Cross provides emergency communications, supports military and veteran health facilities, and provides social services to the more than 2 million military members to include National Guard and Reservists, 23 million veterans and their families. To learn more about the Red Cross and the Service to Armed Forces program visit redcross.org/what-we-do/support-military-families.

Thanks for your service