While Memorial Day receives the lion’s share of attention, events, parades, and services in honor of our Veterans, the day is reserved in recognition of those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice while serving the United States.
On the other hand, Armed Forces Day is set to recognize those currently serving in uniform and those who have served before. Set for the third Saturday of May, Armed Forces Day was established by President Harry Truman (D-MO) in 1949 to “praise the work of the military services at home and across the seas.”
“It is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of desirable peace,” said Truman.
The day was formed as a unification of birthday celebrations of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
Suffolk County held its Armed Forces Day ceremony at Armed Forces Plaza on the north lawn of the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge last Saturday.
“As a country, we owe our thanks to those who stand up for our country,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). “This is a day that comes together to celebrate all of those who have served. We want to thank the Space Force, the Navy, the Marines, the Army, the Air Force, to whoever has served in the armed forces of our country. This is a day we give thanks for their service because they are our shield and our sword. They are the reason our flag flies high. Thank you and God bless America.”
“While we’re here to celebrate the armed forces and those who serve the armed forces, what I would hope to offer as well is that those of us in public office, in order to take that seriously, must put that duty before anything else,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01). “All down the line, you have folks who want to put their community and country before themselves, and that’s what the folks in the armed services have done for so many years.”
LaLota spoke of dysfunction in Congress, but contrasted it with the National Defense Authorization Act, in what he said has been “the most bipartisan bill for the last sixty-four years.”
“We’ve come together to ensure that our men and women in the armed forces have the policy, the leadership, and the resources they need to ensure that we remain the greatest country the world has ever known. It’s important that we come together and focus on that. I’m proud to be doing that for this community and the country,” said LaLota.
Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Chair of the Veterans Committee, offered his thanks and praise not only to all armed forces, but also Gold Star families.
“To our Gold Star families, you made the sacrifice that should be asked of nobody. But yet, you don’t complain, you honor, and you show up to honor others,” said Caracappa. “And that is the primary reason we are here, because we have young men and women serving right now, putting themselves in harm’s way, just like your family members did. We appreciate you so much because your presence at every event inspires others. May God continue to bless you and look after you. We salute you and thank you. Thank you very much. God bless you all.”
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Colonel Andrew Wineberger, an Air Force Veteran who served as the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach.
“Armed Forces Day was established in response to the Armed Forces unification under one department, the Department of Defense,” said Wineberger. “The word ‘join’ has been used to describe the synergy between the different services, including the Coast Guard. The individual services have cherished their traditions and history, and they should. But as time progressed, they understood the need to work together for peace in an increasingly complex world.”
Wineberger entered the service at the 106th Rescue Wing thirty-six years ago. He said that at that point in his career, his view of the other services was limited, but perspective changed “dramatically” after eleven deployments in multiple high-risk civilian rescue missions.
“As a rescue pilot, I learned to train under the most difficult of circumstances with the Army, the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Special Operations Command, to prepare for combat, defend the homeland, and ensure I can respond to the New York State Governor’s call at a moment’s notice,” said Wineberger. “In the military, we rely on our brothers and sisters no matter what. We’re always there for each other. There’s an unspoken bond that cannot be broken.”
Wineberger described a high-risk mission in Afghanistan providing casualty evacuation in a hotly-contested area, working to not leave anyone behind.
“Our unique abilities included the very best medical care from our pararescuers. The alert crew sprung into action to respond to a vehicle hit with an improvised explosive device (IED). We were airborne within minutes receiving updates and routes. As the pickup bird, we were first into the landing zone. I could see the twisted metal of what seemed to be a vehicle hit by an IED. Out of the dust picked up by the helicopter blades, I saw Marines carrying their wounded to the helicopter. The image is still etched in my memory today.”
Wineberger also described a chaotic summer tour in Afghanistan, in which he saw a “lone American” directing the operation with “determination and purpose.”
“I never knew what branch of the military he was from, nor will I ever know when we’re serving in silence,” said Wineberger.
Wineberger also recognized the sea as the most dangerous environment.
“Respect is given to the sailors and Coast Guardsmen who operate daily to keep us safe. I’ve worked with the Navy numerous times and they have my utmost respect. Landing on ships requires precision. The team on a ship that makes this happen is seamless. The Coast Guard are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly day in and day out.”
Wineberger then described a 2017 explosion aboard a Slovenian ship that killed two and injured two crew members. In a collaborative effort, the Coast Guard and the 106th Rescue Wing mobilized an HC-130 aircraft with pararescuers from Westhampton Beach. Because of their teamwork, the two survivors were able to return home to their families.
“I recognize the greatness we can achieve by working together. I understand that relationships we build and the trust we develop can overcome any obstacle, despite our differences. I see the same opportunity for every American. Hopefully you can too,” concluded Wineberger.
Wineberger was then presented with a proclamation on behalf of Suffolk County for his “unwavering dedication and leadership as Deputy Commander of the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base.” The proclamation highlights his guidance of over a thousand military and civilian personnel, whose “collaborative efforts demonstrate remarkable efficiency and effectiveness in executing a wide array of missions.”
“The operations capability of the wing, including the operation of the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, as well as its Guardian Angel Squadron stands as a testament to Colonel Weinberger’s strategic foresight and commitment to excellence,” the proclamation read. Wineberger was also recognized for his professional development as a command pilot, his more than 4,300 flight hours, deployments in Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian relief efforts during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Sandy.
Wineberger was also presented with a proclamation on behalf of the Town of Huntington and Supervisor Ed Smyth (R-Lloyd Harbor), and a proclamation on behalf of the State of New York presented by Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James).
“God bless you, Colonel Wineberger, God bless all of our service members, and God bless the United States of America,” said Senator Mattera.
In attendance also were the Vietnam Green Jackets, various local Veterans organization leaders and personnel, Sheriff Errol Toulon (D), Suffolk County Legislators Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), Ann Welker (D-Southampton), Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), and representatives for District Attorney Ray Tierney (R).
