Boeing IDS Commemorates Armed Forces and Memorial Day

The Boeing Company Annual Armed Forces/Memorial Day Observance was held today at Veterans Plaza near Building 100 IDS Headquarters. Host Dave Thomas, Team Lead for Boeing Veterans Task Force, presented an excellent program that included a keynote address by the Commander of the Missouri Air National Guard's 131^st TFW, Colonel Robert L. Leeker. The program, one of several honoring America's veterans throughout the year at Boeing, was produced by the all-volunteer Boeing Veterans Task Force.

The opening ceremonies included patriotic music played by the Boeing Company employee band, an Invocation, the posting of the Colors by the Roosevelt High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard and the National Anthem as sung by Air Force veteran Bob Greynolds. Preceding Colonel Leeker, John Van Gels, Boeing IDS VP of Operations & Supplier Management and St. Louis Senior Site Executive, acknowledged the contributions of Boeing veterans in his remarks to the employees and guests. Army Major Michael D. Chizmar, a Boeing employee who is also a member of the Missouri Army National Guard, then spoke about his career and the importance of Boeing weapons systems such as the CH-47 Chinook. Major Chizmar had high praise for the Chinook, an aircraft he maintained and supported in the field around the world. Following Mr. Van Gels and Major Chizmar, Colonel Leeker gave his keynote address.

Colonel Leeker began his career as an Airman in the Missouri Air National Guard and later received his commission. He flew high-performance F-4 Phantom II and F-15 Eagle aircraft with the 131^st TFW. Colonel Leeker thanked veterans for their service and Boeing for hosting the event. He lauded the F-15 for its performance and reliability during deployments in Iraq. Colonel Leeker reminded the audience that Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day are linked by the sacrifice of living veterans and that of those who have gone before us. He commended Mr. Van Gels for the establishment of the Boeing Veterans Memorial, and asked the Boeing employees to rededicate themselves to producing the very best military equipment possible for the armed forces. At the conclusion of his remarks, Colonel Leeker was himself recognized for his leadership of the 131^st TFW, which has nearly completed its deactivation and transition of personnel to Whiteman AFB, home of the B-2 Spirit bomber. Members of the 131^st TFW are now formally known as the 131^st Bomb Wing, the only Air National Guard unit flying and maintaining the B-2.

Following Colonel Leeker's remarks, a wreath was laid by Boeing employees in front of the Memorial while taps was played. Also, American flags were planted around the Memorial by audience members who wished to honor veterans of their choice for the coming Memorial Day week. Veterans were presented with a badge and lanyard to recognize their service, and all in attendance were given American Flags to take home.

Congratulations to Boeing for producing such a fine program, and thanks to the employees, veterans and the concerned public for showing your support for this event. For more information on today's event, please visit: Boeing Veterans: www.boeing.com/special/veterans