Inactivation ceremony used to praise, thank reservists Published May 7, 2007 By Maj. James R. Wilson 939 Air Refueling Wing PORTLAND, Ore. -- More than 500 people attended a formal ceremony here May 6 in which three of the 939th Air Refueling Wing's subordinate units were inactivated. The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission mandated the drawdown. During the ceremony, wing reservists, distinguished guests from Oregon and Washington, veterans and family members witnessed the encasing of the 939th Operations Group, 939th Maintenance Group and the 83rd Aerial Port Squadron's flag and guidon. The act symbolized the closure of the units and the end of 45 years of service to the Pacific Northwest. "It's a tough thing to do - to close a wing - and we're doing it in several places," said Lt. Gen. John Bradley, commander of Air Force Reserve Command and the presiding officer for the ceremony. "We've been here as the 939th for over 45 years and had reservists operating out of Portland for 50 years. It's a very hard thing for us to have to move out." The general explained the cost savings realized through Base Realignment and Closure does stand to benefit the service long-term. However, the cost, he explained, comes in the form of reservists being moved out of a number of communities across America diminishing the ties Citizen Airmen have with those they serve and protect. "You've got a great history here that spans many years and many kinds of airplanes and different missions," he said. "It's a hard thing to let go. This is a unit of dedicated professional and highly training Airmen. You've flown thousands of sorties and offloaded millions of gallons of jet fuel to refuel airplanes that are defending America and helping those forces in combat. I can't than you enough." General Bradley issued a personal thanks to the 939th members for "every single day spent away from jobs and families." He concluded his remarks by saying, "I understand the pain of leaving a great unit ... leaving a great community. We've done it in a lot of places recently, and I can't think of anything I like doing less. I want you to know your leadership appreciates you and what you do. My prayers are with you." In a final show of recognition, General Bradley presented the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award streamer to Col. William N. Flanigan, the commander of the 939th ARW who, in turn, placed it on the wing's flag. "This ceremony marks the closure of a chapter on the long and storied history of the Reserve here at Portland," Colonel Flanigan said. "It's not the end of the book - it's the closing of a chapter." The colonel lauded the contributions of former 939th members in attendance. "Thank you for setting the bar so high for us," Colonel Flanigan said. "You have indeed given us a rich history and provided many storied accomplishments to look up to as our inspiration." "To the men and women of the 939th, you have shown throughout much adversity, a change in mission, many diversions and personal sacrifice that you can stay mission focused," he said. "You all have earned the Outstanding Unit Award in spades. I could not be prouder of you for that accomplishment." Members of the unit showed mix emotions after the ceremony. "It's a very difficult time for us," said Staff Sgt. Richard Sakasitz, 939th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron member and crew chief for the last KC-135 mission in Oregon. "I enjoyed the ceremony but will very much miss the people and friends I've made here in the 939th. It's sad to see it go." The Air Force Reserve assigned the mission of global air refueling to the 939th in April 2003. At the same time, it designated the 304th Rescue Squadron (also at Portland) a geographically separated unit responsible for combat search and rescue. The 304th RQS is scheduled to continue operating after the closure of the wing. The remaining units of the 939th will close June 2008. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)