The F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron’s commander, 1st Lt. Jennifer Holdren, assists Col. Kurt Carver of the U.S. Military Academy in presenting honor coins to service members and veterans.
(Photo by Capt. Earl Holdren)
1st Lt. Bob Stronach
Public Affairs Officer
New York Wing
NEW YORK -- When the Oswego community decided to host a "Thank a Service Member” gathering, F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron members participated in the planning and then played key roles in making the event a success.
When some 350 service members and veterans representing four generatons were honored July 26 at Fort Ontario State Historic Site, 10 Sussey squadron participated by providing the color guard, escorting honorees and guests to seats, assisting in set-up, directing pedestrian traffic, fielding questions and greeting military personnel.
Cadet Sr. Master Sgt. Christian Williams led the color guard, which also consisted of Cadet Sr. Master Sgt. Austin Zappala, Cadet Airman 1st Class Sarah Lamb and Cadet Alex Shannon. Cadet Tech. Sgt. Josh Davidson and Cadet Elliot Mills directed honorees and guests to their seats.
Senior members participating included Capts. Earl Holdren and Mike Kieloch and 1st Lt. Kerland Ritchie.
The squadron’s commander, 1st Lt. Jennifer Holdren, had served on the six-member planning committee for the event. She also assisted Col. Kurt Carver, vice dean for education at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in presenting special TASM Campaign Coins to honorees, handing him the coins to present as he expressed deep appreciation for each recipient’s service.
"It was a profound and moving experience," Lt. Holdren said. "I felt so privileged to shake hands with the men and women that are currently serving and have served and fought for our freedoms.
“It especially was emotional to meet and hear the stories from those who were there for their deceased loved ones. It is something that I will never forget," she said.
Peter Allen, chairman of the event, pronounced it a great success. Allen and others also voiced tremendous appreciation for the color guard and the other Sussey members’ participation.
"Mr. Allen looks forward to a continued relationship and involvement with the F.R. Sussey squadron for upcoming TASM events," Lt. Holdren said.
"It was a wonderful experience, privilege, honor and duty for our cadets and senior members alike,” she concluded. “It gave us an opportunity to see and meet the heroes of our great nation, and serve amongst our community.
“I was especially pleased to see one of our own, Lt. Kerland Ritchie, receive an honor coin from Col, Carver. He served as a Marine until he retired. I am proud to have him as a member of F.R. Sussey."
