Keesler Airmen escort World War II veterans to museum

Published Jan. 16, 2013
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- History came alive for 11 Airmen from the 81st Training Group who served as honor escorts for World War II veterans at Saturday's dedication of the U.S. Freedom Pavilion Boeing Center at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Keesler's student leaders served as the Air Force's representatives for a red carpet entrance to the new $35-million facility. In addition, two members of the Keesler Honor Guard, Staff Sgts. Lester Lane and Vernon Peoples, participated in the joint service color guard for the event.

NBC's Tom Brokaw was the master of ceremonies for the dedication of the pavilion that displays aircraft such as the B-17E Flying Fortress, B-25J Mitchell bomber, SBD-3 Dauntless dive bomber, TBM Avenger torpedo bomber and P-51D Mustang and Corsair F4U-4 fighters.

The 96-foot high structure also features a massive wall honoring World War II Medal of Honor recipients and an interactive submarine experience based on the final mission of the USS Tang.

"It was a tremendous opportunity to remember and honor those who served before us, including my two grandfathers, and the sacrifices they made," said Airman 1st Class Cameron Plouzek, 334th Training Squadron.

Airman 1st Class Nelson Gosnell Jr., 336th TRS, felt humbled to participate in the ceremony, noting that "those that deserve our highest regards are the same heroes that go out of their way to shake my hand and thank me for my service. It's a true testament to the legacy of character and virtue that we must strive to replenish every day."

"The stories I heard and the people I saw have motivated me beyond measure," said Senior Airman Wesley Noe, 335th TRS.

A highlight of the trip for Airman Jorge Guajardo Jr., 338th TRS, was meeting Tuskegee Airman Roscoe Brown in the shadow of the P-51 Mustang he flew during World War II.

"With the number of World War II vets ever decreasing, every moment spent delving into their stories is a precious experience," explained Airman 1st Class Armon Bakhtiari, 336th TRS.

"As an Airman, hearing those first-hand accounts of our core values being exhibited before our branch of service had even become the Air Force was truly humbling."

Airman 1st Class Daniel Mustard, 338th TRS, stressed that "our history is indelible and future members of our military must remember those who sacrificed so much for our freedom."

Other Keesler representatives included 81st TRG military training leader Tech. Sgt. Julie Hammond and Senior Airmen Brock Parks, 334th TRS; Caila Harrison and Kristian Dehoyos, 335th TRS; and Justin Garner, 338th TRS.

The museum is located at 945 Magazine Street in New Orleans. For more information, log on to www.nationalww2museum.org or call (504) 586-8553.