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A time to honor, reflect

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Veteran's Day, the United States holiday which honors those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces is observed on Nov. 11.

Fred Gordon, 20th Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity chief, one of the many veterans on base who continues to serve the military every day, retired as a Chief Master Sgt. after 30 years in the Air Force and credits much of his military career to the veterans before him.

When anyone walks into Gordon's office on any given day, they'd see proud memorabilia surrounding his desk and hanging in frames on the wall, from his journey in the Air Force.

"Veteran's Day to me is a day and time that I remember and reflect on our service men and women, living and dead," Gordon began. "Reflect for those who stood up in the defense of this great nation."

Gordon joined the Air Force in 1971 as a weapons mechanic apprentice until about 1973 when he decided to cross-train into dental. He then became a first sergeant, command chief, and retired as a first sergeant.

With having Veteran's Day just passed, now is a time veterans and non-veterans alike can reflect on their time served and that of others.

Traveling the world during his service, and deploying to Vietnam, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, Gordon fulfilled many roles.

Throughout his career, Gordon held a great deal of important memories that left a permanent impact on his life.

"My best memory while in the military, besides meeting my wife, was the seven years I spent in Germany," he said. "It was the gateway to Europe and I went to so many different places and have met some lifelong friends along the way."

Though traveling is one of the best parts of being in the military, Gordon remembers those veterans who have served in the past and gives thanks.

"I am grateful to be part of a country that someone would respect enough to willingly endanger his or her life to protect its values," he said. "This appreciation for my country's values makes me proud to be part of it."

Reflecting on the events that have happened in the past helps those who work with veterans to gain knowledge for the future.

"Mr. Gordon is full of knowledge," said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Simpson, 20th FW EO NCO in charge. "He can share life experiences because he's been in the military long enough to give his viewpoint on past and present."

While traveling all over the world, Gordon experienced the sacrifices veterans make.

"I have utmost respect for (veterans)," Gordon said. "They are my role models and without their sacrifice, the world as I know it today may not be what it is. Some paid the ultimate price for freedom and I deeply appreciate it and I am thankful for their commitment to this great Nation. My dad was a WWII veteran and if he was here today I would tell him that 'I love him and appreciate his loyalty and dedication to this great nation'."