Remembering 9/11: motivating and inspiring others to show support

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  In remembrance of 9/11, Creech Airmen participated in a relay race, vigilance run, and a formal retreat ceremony, Sept. 11, 2014, at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada.

The events took place throughout the day in honor of 9/11 victims, families, and first responders.

One individual showed special respect by creating a unique ensemble, which took more than six hours to create and included 500 miniature flags, and wearing it during the Team Red, White and Blue Old Glory Coast-to-Coast relay race.

"I wanted to carry as many flags as possible in support and remembrance of 9/11," said 2nd Lt. Paul Baker, 432nd Maintenance Squadron maintenance flight officer-in-charge. "America is the greatest country, and it's important to show our support for how much we do for other nations and the freedom we help bring to other nations."

The lieutenant hoped his participation in the Old Glory Coast-to-Coast relay race would spark inspiration in others around base.

"It takes one person to go out and show their dedication for a cause to let others know it's okay for them to support a cause that they believe in and have a passion for," Baker said. "By coming out here and showing my support, I hope it motivates others and inspires them to show their support as well."

Staff Sgt. Araceli, 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, paid her respects by participating in the vigilance run despite the fact that it was nearly 100 degrees outside and she was 5½ months pregnant.

"This is a significant part of our history, and to show my support and to remember is more important than the weather and being uncomfortable for a little while," she said.

The events of 9/11 also impacted Araceli's decision to join the military.

"I was in high school, and I remember hearing about all the innocent people who died that day," she said. "I had already planned on joining, but that day impacted my decision because I decided I wanted to support the cause, and I wanted to do my part to make sure nothing like that would ever happen again in our country."