Commander emphasizes importance of Patriot Day

  • Published
  • By Col. Jamie Crowhurst
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Team McConnell (Airpower!!!),


Hopefully many of you enjoyed the extended Labor Day weekend and were able to recharge your batteries a bit. Your increased energy paid off as we showcased our base to the 18th Air Force Commander, Lt .Gen. Robert Allardice, and his wife Susan. General Allardice is extremely proud of what you do every day and he expressed his appreciation to me for your effort in supporting 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command, and our Air Force's worldwide commitments. Thank you to Lt . Col. Andre Briere, 349th Air Refueling Squadron commander, and all of our teammates who helped make this visit a success. I am very proud of all of you for making sure that we put our best foot forward for our boss.

We began our Patriot Day recognition with a formation run this morning. I really enjoyed getting out to be with all of you who turned out this morning and hopefully you enjoyed our route onto the aircraft parking ramp. We purposefully planned this route to remind us all of why we are here. We are professional Airman, no matter what our career field, and each one of you plays an important role in our ability to project combat airpower.


Next week, we have the opportunity to support the 184th Intelligence Wing in a STAMP/STRAP exercise. Our folks in the 22nd LRS will play a key role in assisting our Total Force partner in one of their critical mission sets. For most of you, this will not be impactful but please be aware of the increased ops tempo for our LRS and the members of the 184th IW.


Please join us this afternoon at the wing flagpole as we remember those who perished on Sept.11, 2001. We will also honor our first responders from on base and the local community as part of our Patriot Day ceremony. Then, follow that up with a "Grill Your Own Steak" night over at the club.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend! Thanks for all that you do.


Col C


· Sept. 10 - Patriot Day Retreat Ceremony 4:30 p.m. at Base Flag Pole

· Sept. 13 through 16- STAMP/STRAP Exercise

· Sept. 17 - Air Force Birthday Luncheon 11:30 a.m. at Robert J. Dole Community Center  Center (RSVP no later than Sept.10)

· Sept. 20 through 24 - Air Force Week (details on Wing Calendar)

· Sept. 24 - Base Reception / Practice Airshow

· Sept. 25 through 26 - Open House Air Show


Patriot Day Retreat Ceremony: Friday, Sept. 10, 4:30pm at the base flagstaff, building 1. This annual Patriot Day Retreat Ceremony will include an address from the wing commander followed by the ringing of the last alarm bell, a '21 gun salute,' bagpiper, military retreat ceremony, and a flyover. Formation consists of Base and Community first responders. However, all Team McConnell personnel and their families are encouraged to participate/observe the retreat ceremony - bleachers will be available. Dress will be uniform of the day.


Air Force Birthday Luncheon: Friday, Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Robert J. Dole Community Center, in recognition of the Air Force's upcoming birthday, we are going to celebrate the "History of McConnell" with a luncheon. All members of Team McConnell (Air Power!) and guests are invited to attend. Dress is uniform of the day.  If you have any questions please contact Capt. Gabe Arrington at gabriel.arrington@mcconnell.af.mil, Capt. Sam Kidd  at sam.kidd@mcconnell.af.mil, Capt. Garret Bilbo garret.bilbo@mcconnell.af.mil or Capt. Clarence Lovejoy at clarence.lovejoy@mcconnell.af.mil .