USO Delaware, CBS 3 Philly host Star Spangled Barbecue

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The men and women of Dover Air Force Base, Del., who support the mission of honoring America's fallen were treated to a special Star Spangled Barbecue at the Eagles Nest picnic area here July 20.

The event, sponsored by USO Delaware and CBS 3 in Philadelphia, was featured live on the channel's Eyewitness News at 5.

"Today we are paying tribute to those who come face to face with the cost of war - the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware," said Susan Barnett, CBS 3 news anchor said live from their studio location in Philadelphia.

At the same time, the more than 100 uniformed service members and civilians in attendance at the barbecue paused for a moment and turned to pay tribute as the sound of retreat began over the base loud speaker. As the national anthem followed, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen rendered a salute while civilians placed their hands over their hearts.

Retreat, which signifies the end of the duty day and pays tribute to the flag, was also the beginning of the CBS 3 Eyewitness News at 5 program. Reporting live from the base, CBS news anchor Ukee Washington commented on a long-standing military tradition of retreat which occurred just before the start of the show.

"I wish you could have been here about 3 to 4 minutes ago at 5 o'clock straight up," he said. "A poignant moment right behind me ... the national anthem played - you could hear a pin drop here at Dover Air Force Base, it was just a beautiful, beautiful thing."

The 90 minutes that followed included food, games, fun with a mix of interviews with some of the people who support the mortuary mission.

In an interview with CBS 3's Erika von Tiehl, Army Sgt. 1st Class Luis Valle, a noncommissioned officer for the Army Liaison Team, shared their role in the mission and talked about the assistance they provide to family members. Although it can be tough and can often call for long hours, he said, "All my guys are dedicated and proud to serve."

That sentiment rings true for everyone who takes part in the mission of honoring and caring for those who have paid the ultimate price.

"We're humbled and privileged to take care of the fallen and their families," said Col. Thomas C. Joyce, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations commander.

The CBS 3 team shared footage of an exclusive White House interview, in which anchor Chris May asked the President about the Fisher House and importance of the mission at Dover.

"Knowing that we have a team at Dover that is doing everything they can, not only to comfort, but also to honor that sacrifice is extraordinarily important," said President Barrack Obama. "We're blessed for the great work that people at Dover do, and I think all American's owe them a great deal of gratitude."

An organization that routinely shows gratitude is the USO which has been a proud supporter of troops for more than 70 years.

"The USO has a huge footprint on this base and all over the world," said Joan Cote, USO Delaware director in an interview with Washington.

The USO Delaware showed their support by submitting the base for the CBS Star Spangled Summer series barbecue.

"We are blessed at Dover Air Force Base to have such a wonderful community that supports us like this," said Col. Mark D. Camerer, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "USO Delaware, thank you for doing this for Dover Air Force Base and the Airmen that are stationed here today."