McConnell participates in first Wichita “America Supports You” Freedom Walk

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Overcast skies and drizzling rain accompanied Team McConnell Members as well as some local Wichita residents at the first Wichita "America Supports You" Freedom Walk in downtown Wichita, Sept. 13.

The Freedom Walk began when Pentagon employees were seeking a way to honor victims of the 9/11 attack and their families and for a way to pay respect to first responders as well as to those who serve.

The 89th Regional Readiness Command was out in force with a 105 mm howitzer cannon. The howitzer fire signaling to begin the two-mile walk could be heard from miles around echoing through downtown Wichita.

Members of the Kansas Patriot Guard were present to show their support for victims of the 9/11 attacks. The guard led the way riding their motorcycles, displaying the American flag, for all the walkers to follow along the two-mile route.

"This is what we do and when we were asked to do it is an honor to do things like this," said Cregg Hansen, Kansas Patriot Guard founding member.

Col. Mark White, 22nd Mission Support Group commander, and Col. Michael Krueger, 22nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander, began the walk carrying the banner at the front of a long stretched out crowd.

"The whole event to me was moving," said Anne Catlin, a Wichita native who walked in the event.

"Everyone that made it here enjoyed the walk," said the Honorable Carl Brewer, Mayor of Wichita.

After the walk, Mayor Brewer spoke to the audience about the momentous event and how, as a nation, America has come together in the years after the 9/11 attacks. Speakers also included Maj. Gen. James W. Rafferty, 89th Regional Readiness Command commanding general, and Col. James C. Vechery, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander.

Following the closing comments, Mayor Brewer awarded Maj. Paul Silas, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight commander, a combat action medal for his performance as a truck commander when his team was ambushed by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in Afghanistan, from September 2007 through April 2008.

Others recognized by Mayor Brewer were Army Sgt. Maj. Henry Bittle, Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Reinhardt, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert Pinkstaff, Officer Victor Trillo, Wichita Police Department and Captain Greg Reed, Wichita Fire Department.

Now, America Supports You freedom walks are taking place in communities across the nation. Last year, 255 communities participated, and every state was represented, along with eight nations overseas.