Reserves Among Gulf Forces

Thousands of reserve members of the armed forces are currently in the Middle East and elsewhere, defending the interests of our nation and the entire world.

These “citizen airman, soldiers, sailors and Marines” are friends and family members. They’re also neighbors and co-workers, and are performing vital services that could not be accomplished by the active duty force alone.

They face hardships daily, but without exception, reservists are accomplishing their missions with courage, spirit and a level of dedication that’s been the benchmark of American patriotism throughout our history.

As commander of 4th Air Force, headquarters for members of the 445th Military Airlift Wing at Norton Air Force Base and 943rd Tactical Airlift Group at March AFB, I’m particularly proud of our reserve members. Even before the presidential call up in late August, a total of more than 9,000 Air Force reservists volunteered for duty in this potentially dangerous area. They said, “I’ll leave my job, I’ll leave my home, I’ll leave my family--I’ll face the risks--and go where I’m needed.” Our reserve members are truly special people!

In fact a significant number of the more than 10,000 airlift missions flown by reservists have been crewed by volunteers. These are true patriots--citizens who have answered the call when asked--and we owe them our most sincere thanks.

While our reservists’ contributions are truly inspiring, there are other groups that equally deserve America’s gratitude: the families and employers of reservists. For you see, reserve members are also husbands, wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, as well as valued members of our nation’s work force.

Currently, many families are doing without their reservists at youth sports events, school plays and the family dinner table. They’ve had to carry on despite the shadow that their loved ones are in distant lands subject to situations unknown.

And some families have had as little as 24 hours to prepare for this absence.

Reservists’ employers are also making supreme sacrifices. Offices and shops throughout our nation are coping with the temporary loss of some of their best and brightest talent, and co-workers have taken up the slack. When our reserve members responded to the call, employers’ support of their involvement has been without question. Without this support, much of what we’re accomplishing could not be possible.

Desert Shield is a team effort, a team composed of the active duty force, members of the reserves and the American public--truly America’s Team!

For, despite the skill, integrity and professionalism of our service members, they could not perform the vital task of defending the Persian Gulf without the support of Americans everywhere--citizens supporting their fellow citizens in uniform.

Speaking for all members of 4th Air Force, the 445th MAW and 943rd TAG, I thank your readers for their support and prayers during this tense situation. We hope and pray that all our men and women in uniform can return safely to their communities as soon as possible.

BRIG. GEN. JAMES E. SHERRARD III

Commander, 4th Air Force

Air Force Reserve

McClellan AFB, Calif.