Photo By Staff Sgt. Desiree Moye | Personnel from the 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group perform a tribute...... read more read more
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SOUTHWEST ASIA - Over 260 attendees filed into the Flex Fitness Center for the 2014 Marauder Legacy Dinner to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of “Big Week,” at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
The event served to reinforce one of the wing's mission priorities, "Marauder Pride," by recognizing a particularly significant event in the history of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing.
During Feb. 20th to Feb. 25th, 1944, as a part of a World War II European strategic bombing campaign, the U.S. launched a series of missions against the Third Reich of Germany, branded as Operation Argument.
The 386th Bombardment Group, assigned to the Eighth Air Force, lost 97 B-17s and 40 B-24s. However, its aircrew destroyed more than 500 German fighters and damaged 90 more, changed the scope of the war and shifted air superiority to our allies. Eventually, those five days became known as “Big Week”.
“The entire nights focus was on painting an accurate picture of the Marauder Legacy, which will be carried on by the new group of Marauders here,” said Capt. Brett Kuhrt, 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron.
Members from the wing, along with joint coalition partners, host-nation personnel, and several distinguished visitors, including the U.S. Ambassador to the region and his wife, witnessed the passion of modern day Airmen and their contributions to an always changing marauder mission.
The occasion could likely become an annual celebration, according to Kuhrt. He believes that it serves as an effective means of tracking the ever-evolving history of the wing.
Guests of the event glanced around at the historically elegant and precisely decorated gymnasium, which served as the event’s venue. Many were stunned by the transformation; some even took pictures. Some guests simply soaked in the atmosphere. All would soon recognize the significance of the event.
“Displaying historical visual aids transported the audience to the World War II era”, said Dr. Doris Crusoe, Ph.D, the 386th’s current historian.
A series of historical skits, focused on capturing all of the major campaigns conducted by the 386th through the present day. The emcees filled in the historical gaps for the audience and a powerful video presentation evoked emotion for the audience, bringing all the history to life.
Although the coordinators and volunteers deserved acknowledgment for their extraordinary efforts, they wanted no recognition for the hard work, preferring only to bask in the enjoyment of the guests.
Col. John Klein, the 386th AEW commander, had his own plans though.
Before he commenced with his speech, he coined Kuhrt, Master Sgt. Tibetha Pascal, Capt. Sandra Glidewell and Senior Airman Ryan Peluso for their part in orchestrating the night.
“They took a vision and ran with it,” Klein acclaimed about the team. “They’re evidence that leadership does not wear rank.”
Klein then addressed the assembly with his prepared remarks.
“Young Airman of the 386th Bombardment Group, whether they were aircrew, maintainers, mess cooks or tower controllers, did not relish the historical perspective we have tonight during “Big Week,” said Klein. “Their efforts and sacrifice decimated the German aircraft industry ultimately rendering the Luftwaffe ineffective prior to the “D-Day” invasion.
“They didn’t know that achieving their best in every endeavor would earn the 386th the most outstanding record of all B-26 groups in the European theater,” he said.
Klein asked the audience to continue to have faith in the Air Force and to understand that they are writing history just as the “Maraudermen” of the 386th Bomb Group did in 1944. He stressed that the United States is depending on the 386th AEW to carry on a legacy of excellence.
“Our forefathers have handed down, not only their accomplishments, but their spirit,” said Klein. “Trust that this Marauder spirit rests in the DNA of this organization and in each one of you Marauders,” he said.
Klein’s remarks ended in a standing ovation.
Capt. Christopher Roberts, the 386th AEW executive officer, was impressed with the evening’s events.
“Sharing in the camaraderie with fellow Marauders made the night a wonderful win,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2014 08:54 |
| Story ID: | 121366 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 81 |
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