The employees of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) gathered together on November 6, 2019, to honor the sacrifice and military service of our nation’s veterans and the veterans who work at MMAC. Since Veterans Day is a federal holiday, committee members opted to recognize our Veterans with an earlier ceremony than the official date. This year’s celebration was marked by special recognition of our veterans of the Vietnam War, as part of the nation’s commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the war. The Presidential Proclamation commemorating this special anniversary salutes "our brave Vietnam veterans who, in service to our Nation and in defense of liberty, fought gallantly against the spread of communism and defended the freedom of the Vietnamese people." It states, "We vow to never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our Armed Forces. With conviction, our Nation pledges our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans."
Deputy Director Kevin O’Connor opened the MMAC Veterans Day Ceremony by noting the significant service that the nearly 1,200 Center veterans provide to the FAA. Marine Corps veteran and MMAC Veterans Association Commander, Scott Musselman offered the invocation, while children of The Launching Pad proudly led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Air Force veteran and FAA Academy employee, Terry James beautifully delivered our national anthem. Retired Air Force Colonel and MMAC FAA Logistics Center (AML) Director Randy Burke served as the emcee for the event. He led all in attendance in recognizing the numerous Vietnam veterans at the ceremony. Burke also discussed the significance of the commemorative Vietnam Veteran lapel pins that were presented to each of the Vietnam veterans in attendance.
Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Vietnam veteran and war hero, Colonel Charles "Chuck" DeBellevue, USAF (Ret.). Col DeBellevue flew 220 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom and is credited with shooting down six North Vietnamese fighter jets. He is the leading "Ace" flyer from the war in Southeast Asia. His military decorations include the Air Force Cross, 3 Silver Stars, 3 Legions of Merit, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 18 Air Medals. He retired in 1998 with 30 years of service and was the last American "Ace" on active duty. Colonel DeBellevue spoke of his experiences of training and flying in the US Air Force, and of his aerial engagements with enemy aircraft. He welcomed the opportunity to speak with the veterans and employees of MMAC: "It is a pleasure to be here with veterans. They are the ones who know what it takes to keep us free." Colonel DeBellevue recognized the connection between military service and civilian life and employment. He pointed out that the core values of discipline, integrity, leadership/followership, training, and teamwork are the same in both arenas of service. In recognition of his service and on behalf of the employees of MMAC, Director Michelle Coppedge and Deputy Director Kevin O’Connor presented Colonel DeBellevue with a commemorative plaque and Director’s Coin.
After the ceremony, employees and veterans attended a reception held in honor of the veterans. Several veteran supported organizations, including the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Air Warriors Courage Foundation, Warriors for Freedom, the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation, and The Hugs Project, were on hand to represent their organizations and interact with attending veterans. Additionally, the US Department of Veterans Affairs brought their Mobile Vet Center and set up in the plaza parking lot for veterans to visit. MMAC employee and artist, Mark Larson displayed a collection of seven military portraits, capturing members from each branch of service rendering salutes.
The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center is proud of its veteran population. In the words of the Presidential Proclamation Commemorating the 50 Anniversary of the Vietnam War: "While no words will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pthay tribute to the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage an valor."
