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VP Pence stops at 445 AW for Armed Forces Day

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Vice President Mike Pence spoke to Wright-Patt Airmen and their families as part of his visit here for Armed Forces Day May 20. The event was held in a 445th Airlift Wing hangar.

A 445th C-17 Globemaster III was the backdrop for the vice president and his wife, Karen, as they were welcomed by an audience of more than 250 Airmen and their families.

Before meeting the crowd, the presidential couple enjoyed a personal tour of the C-17. 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Airmen 1st Lt. Stacey Blurton, flight nurse, and Master Sgt. Sean Smith, AE medical technician, shared with the couple the role of AES in the Air Force Reserve; 89th Airlift Squadron Airmen Capt. Paul Kolk, pilot, and Staff Sgt. Jason Benedict, loadmaster, explained the role of the C-17 and some of the missions they’ve supported. Two maintainers from the 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were also on board to discuss the mechanics of the aircraft; Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Wilson and Staff Sgt. David Smart.

Blurton said during the tour, they told the vice president and his wife that they can move patients quickly, usually within 24 hours and go as far forward as the plane will allow. She said the vice president thanked them for taking care of our men and women that need to get home.

"It was a great opportunity to be able to showcase what Aerovac does and how passionate we are about what we do," Blurton said.

Benedict was also thrilled to have been hand selected as one of the crewmembers to give the vice president and his wife a tour of the wing’s C-17.

“It was an honor to be able to show the vice president and his wife our C-17. It was such a coincidence because I was just at the White House a few weeks ago. I was part of the crew that flew the Air Force Academy football team from Colorado Springs to Washington D.C., to accept the Commander in Chief’s Trophy from President Trump,” said Benedict.

Lt. Col. Bill Barton, 89th Airlift Squadron assistant director of operation, attended with his two children ages 15 and 17.

“My children were thrilled to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the vice president. They were even more thrilled to have been able to meet the vice president and shake his hand. This will be an experience they will never forget.”

Col. Adam Willis, 445th Airlift Wing commander was thrilled to have Vice President Pence address the men and women of Wright Patterson on Armed Forces Day.

"What a remarkable day for the Airmen of the 445th Airlift Wing and Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Today, Vice President Pence and his wife, Karen, thanked the Nation, the United States Armed Forces and families for their dedication and support in defending our way of life... past, present and future. It was truly an honor to host the VP and his wife while allowing us to showcase the 445 AW and the United States Air Force's premier airlifter, the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft," Willis said.