Joint military-civilian ceremony honors deployed troops

  • Published
  • By John Schutte
  • 711th Human Performance Wing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  More than sixty Air Force Research Laboratory military and civilian personnel paid tribute to their deployed colleagues Sept. 30 during a flag retreat ceremony at the Prairies at Wright Field military housing community on Colonel Glenn Highway. 

A combined military-civilian detail from AFRL's 711th Human Performance Wing solemnly lowered the flag against the backdrop of a mottled gray-blue sky and sharply executed the 13 distinct folds of the flag. 

Major Leamon K. Viveros, program manager for Cellular Dynamics and Engineering, said civilians were invited to participate in the traditionally military-only event in recognition of their patriotism and contribution to our nation's defense. Civilians Dr. Camilla A. Mauzy and Dr. Nicholas J. DelRaso joined Master Sergeant Julie A. Boyer and Major Viveros on the four-person detail.
 
"It was the chance to show honor and respect for the flag of our country and those who serve it," said Dr. DelRaso, a research microbiologist. "In a way, this ceremony connected me with the men and women who faithfully and courageously defend our nation and preserve freedom throughout the world. These types of activities serve to remind us of why we do what we do as DoD employees." 

"I consider it a privilege to be allowed to participate in the AFRL flag detail alongside those who have willingly placed their lives, quite literally, on the line for our country," added Dr. Mauzy. "I hope the involvement of civilians in this ceremony is representative of all Air Force civilians' total support for our troops through our work efforts and our prayers."
 
Colonel Brian C. Ford of AFRL's Sensors Directorate presided over the ceremony as formation commander, capping a day that also marked his 25th anniversary of service with the Air Force.
 
"It's an honor for me to be here," Colonel Ford said, noting with gratitude that everyone participated voluntarily. "The fact that we're all here representing our country and paying respect to the flag and the deployed troops, that's what this is all about." 

A large contingent representing each of AFRL's technical directorates stood in formation to witness the ceremony in which each movement and each of the 13 folds of the flag is symbolic of American values and history. 

The Air Force retreat ceremony formally signals the end of the official duty day and serves as a patriotic rite for paying respect to the flag.
 
The flag is located at The Prairies at Wright Field, formerly Page Manor, which is part of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's housing for military families. The housing complex was privatized in 2002 and underwent extensive renovation and reconstruction before opening as The Prairies in 2005. 

"We picked this location because many of our deployed troops' families live here," said Master Sergeant Maurice J. Washington, Detachment 1 first sergeant from the Propulsion Directorate.