Col. Brook Leonard
Pacific Air Forces Commander
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea — Ninety-sixyearsago,on the11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Allied nations and Germany temporarily ceased hostilities, resulting in an armistice that fundamentally marked an end to World War I, also known as “The Great War.”
Similarly, an armistice signed on July 27, 1953, ended daily hostilities between North and South Korea, and is the de facto agreement that has us at “pause” to this day...no official peace treaty was ever signed to end the Korean War.
With over 11,000 military and family members working or living on and around Osan, being ready to fight, if and when called upon, is the most important thing we can do to help reinforce stability in the Republic of Korea. But knowing that a mere 61 years ago, our Nation was at war fighting historic battles such as the “Battle of Bayonet Hill,” from the very spot that many of us stand on today is awe-inspiring and humbling.
Veterans Day is a day for reflection--for those who have paid the ultimate price while fighting our nation’s wars and conflicts, and a time to celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism and service to our nation.
I am extremely proud to be a part of Team Osan, and as the most forward, permanentlydeployed Airpower Team in the world, our commitment to defend the base, execute operations, receive forces and reinforce stability in the Republic of Korea is remarkable.
For your service and your sacrifice, as well as your family’s sacrifices since many of you are far from home on this Veterans Day, Command Chief Greene and I want to say “thank you for everything that you do.” Your tremendous service to the success of Osan’s mission has not gone unnoticed, nor has your continued support and dedication to America. You rightly are America’s heroes.
By Col. Brook Leonard
51st Fighter Wing commander
