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YouTube video series pays tribute to Utah veterans

  • Published
  • By Kari Tilton
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The 419th Fighter Wing will honor Veteran's Day with a YouTube video tribute showcasing the contributions of Utah's Air Force Reservists during the last 55 years. The three-part mini documentary will air today at www.youtube.com/419fw.

"The videos chronicle the role of Utah's Air Force Reservists in some of the most noteworthy military operations in recent history," said Col. Walter "Buck" Sams, 419th FW commander.

The series features historic video footage and interviews with unit veterans who recount their experiences from the early 1950s through the post-9/11 era. It also honors Hill Air Force Base reservists who lost their lives in the line of duty. Nearly 25 veterans were interviewed for the series of 10-minute long videos.

"It's a rags-to-riches story," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Carroll (retired), who served as an Air Force Reservist at Hill from 1956 to 1992 and was interviewed for the series.

"In the early days, we had no facilities - not even a place to store a toolbox," Chief Carroll said. "We flew a lot of different aircraft, from fighters to transports, and over time, we proved ourselves. We progressed from a strategic reserve to an operational reserve on par with the active duty."

The video series was created by Lt. Col. Christopher Morgan, a wing reservist who owns a local film production company, TwoSherpas LLC. Morgan currently serves as the 419th FW director of staff and is a former F-16 pilot.

"Our Air Force Reservists are true patriots and it was an honor to document their legacy," Colonel Morgan said.

He produced a longer, more extensive video documentary several years ago for the wing's Viper Out ceremony. The condensed version is being released via the wing's YouTube channel to celebrate Veteran's Day and reach a wider audience.

Those who want to say thanks to Utah's veterans can post a message on the 419th FW Facebook page at www.facebook.com/419fw.

The 419th FW is made up of nearly 1,200 personnel. It is one of about 40 flying units in the Air Force Reserve. The wing trains for worldwide mobility to perform a wide variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground F-16 fighter and support missions. 419th FW members are trained in a variety of specialties to include operations, maintenance, civil engineering, security, supply, transportation and communications. Since 9/11, more than 2,000 419th reservists have deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.