The power of freedom: airmen help Iraqis regain their nation

Airman, Dec, 2003 by Chuck Roberts

In March and April of this year, the Air Force joined coalition forces in defeating the regime of Saddam Hussein for the second time in 12 years. This time, however, the road to victory led military forces all the way to Baghdad. Today U.S. airmen continue to operate out of Baghdad International Airport and other in-theater locations to support coalition operations and rebuild Iraq.

The air war this time around was leaner and more technologically advanced than during Operation Dessert Storm in 1991. Precission-guided weapons helped coalition forces to topple a regime while at the same time reducing the number of civilian casualties. The air war consisted of more than 41,000 sorties launching more than 18,000 precision-guided missiles.

But the swift victory of Operation Iraqi Freedom did not come without sacrifice. More than 100 coalition service members died during the war, and hostilities continue to claim the lives of military forces helping to rebuild the nation.

"Our military is serving with great courage--some of our best have fallen," said President George W. Bush. "We mourn every loss. We honor every name. We grieve with every family. And we will always be grateful that liberty has found such brave defenders." The president noted the struggle and sacrifice continues for military members and their families.

"Serving your country can bring sacrifice and uncertainty and separation. Your lives can be changed in a moment, with a sudden call to duty. I want to thank you for your willingness to heed that important call. And I want to thank your families. I want to thank your sons and daughters, your husbands and wives, who share in your sacrifice, who are willing to sacrifice for our country and who stand behind you."

Airmen can share the same feeling of accomplishment felt by their parents and grandparents who fought against a similar leader of tyranny almost 60 years ago.

"We called [World War II] heroes 'the Greatest Generation,' but we [are making] our own 'Greatest Generation' today," said Air Force Chief of Staff John Jumper when he addressed more than 90 air chiefs from around the globe at a meeting in September.

The coalition forces will continue their unified mission of helping Iraq reclaim its place in the world's family of nations.