Airmen perform mission; community thanks local military forces

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lisa Meiman
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  Warren Airmen have a chance to show their mission and shop with discounted prices at Frontier Mall May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of Armed Forces Day. 

"The event is designed to celebrate the positive relationship between the Cheyenne community and all branches of the military, and to thank our military personnel for their dedication," said Chuck Seniawski, Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. 

Most, if not all, mall merchants offer discount prices or other specials to military members with military identification. 

"It's something you can do with the family and not spend gas," said Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Carter, 90th Security Support Squadron. 

Nearly 250 Warren Airmen will man numerous indoor and outdoor displays demonstrating the capabilities of the 90th Space Wing, its missile mission and its influence in the Global War on Terror. 

"It will be a ... representation of this base: who we are, what we do and what we're about," said Capt. Stephani Luebben, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron. "As we grow and change, [Cheyenne citizens] need to know who we are, what we do, when we deploy and when our uniforms change. We need them to know who we are and what we stand for." 

Warren Airmen are encouraged to attend the event. 

"As we all know, the military is not just about the military, it's about the entire family," Captain Luebben said. "What better way for children to see what their parents do?"
This year's theme is "America Supports You." 

Mall visitors can see a UH-1N Iroquois "Huey" helicopter, maintenance vehicles, explosive ordnance disposal robots, fire trucks, the military working dogs and other equipment used by the 90th SW, Captain Luebben said. 

Children can have their faces painted in camouflage colors, and a Hall of Honor will depict the military's history in Cheyenne. A banner thanking the troops is available for people to sign for troops deployed overseas. 

An opening ceremony at 11 a.m. outside the mall includes a prisoner-of-war and missing-in-action ceremony performed by Warren's First Sergeants Group, a flag folding ceremony, and formal recognition of the five services. 

The Army and Air National Guard, Naval Reserve and other local military organizations will also have displays at the mall including a UH-60 "Blackhawk" helicopter and the 67th Army Band ensemble. 

Armed Forces Day became a national holiday in 1949 to thank all the military for their dedicated service, patriotism and sacrifice for their country. Armed Forces Day replaced the single service holidays after the military services fell under the newly created Department of Defense. It is always celebrated the third Saturday in May. 

For more information call Capt. Luebben at 773-4004.