Anniversary of 9/11

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our soil. Today, The Air Force Association joins millions in commemorating the lives of those who were taken on that day, the individuals who immediately responded and the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protect this country in the years following. Our Nation has been enriched by their service, dignity and patriotism that will forever be remembered.

Though 11 years later, our Airmen on Active Duty, Guard and Reserves and Civilians are still in harm’s way in Afghanistan and throughout the world on many assignments protecting the same freedoms that were violated on that day. They and their families all have our heartfelt support and our admiration for what they do in the defense of our country and its citizens.

Today, we salute them all!

Note from the AFA President: 9/11

AFA members, Congressional staff members, civic leaders, DOCA members, as we approach the 10^th anniversary of 9/11, we should all pause in reflection.  Most of you know that we lost more people on 9/11 than we lost at Pearl Harbor in 1941.  Since 9/11 our military have taken the fight to our enemies – which I argue is the continued basis for our Grand Strategy.  It’s always better to fight abroad rather than on our shores.  And … it’s even better to be strong and alert enough not to have to fight at all.  
 

Yesterday, my wife caught a very good piece on Fox news.  It's about a silent operation that has been underway since 9/11 – Operation Noble Eagle.  This operation has our (mostly) Air National Guard fighters patrolling our skies, protecting us from threats from above.  Take a moment to read the story and then play the video.  It’s about two minutes long.  You can find the link here:  http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/07/defending-america-operation-noble-eagle/

Secondly, AFA has released a statement about 9/11 that I want to bring to your attention.  You can find it here:  http://www.afa.org/media/press/AFA_Statement_9-11.asp

Finally, I see on the news that some are saying:  “We’ve now been at war for 10 years.”  Hopefully this group understands the US Air Force has been at war for over 21 years … and is on alert every day in deterring and securing our interests.

For your consideration. 

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association