BEST OF THE BEST

We recently received an e-mail from a Mrs. Cheryl Blauvelt, who stated that her husband, David, had just been mobilized in support of our military commitments. TSgt. Blauvelt is a member of the 355^th Security Forces Squadron, has been in the service for 20 years and leads a squad of 12 men.

The 355^th is stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson Arizona. The Wing is the host unit providing medical, logistical and operational support to al D-M units. The Wings mission is to train A-10 and OA-10 pilots, provide close air support and forward air control to ground forces around the world.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base became a military base in 1925, but its origins can be traced back to the earliest days of civil aviation. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh flew the “Spirit of St. Louis” to Tucson to dedicate Davis-Monthan Field, then the largest municipal airport in the United States.

The Base itself is named after Lieutenants Samuel H. Davis and Oscar Monthan, two Tusconians who were World War I era pilots. Both died in aircraft accidents. Davis, in 1921 and Monthan in 1924 while flying a Martin bomber.

The base has seen numerous aircraft from the B-18 Bolos, B-29 Superfortress and the B-50A. The base also became a storage site for hundreds of decommissioned aircraft because of its dry climate and alkali soil. This storage task continues to this day. The base has also seen the start of the jet age, with the B-47 Stratojet and the F-86A Sabre Jet.

In 1975 the base was transferred to the Tactical Air Command after 30 years under SAC. This was also the year the 355^th TFW accepted the first A-10A Thunderbolts. Since 1979 D-M has been the training location for A-10 pilots.

One way or the other, the men and women of Davis-Monthan Air Force base have a long and proud history. The have fought, sacrificed and endured long deployments, all in defense of this great Nation. ASA is proud to recognize Davis-Monthan AFB, the 355 Wing, 12^th Air Force and the men and women in the Security Forces Squadron. To David, Cheryl, the children and all the people of our Armed Services: God Bless and come home soon.

Photo: David Blauvelt

A Military Wife’s Love by Cheryl Blauvelt

If my love had wings, I would send it right over to you

Across the great big sky, and seas so shinny and blue

It would find you in that big desert

And keep you safe and secure

My love would wrap you up like a blanket.

And keep you safe and warm

From all the unknown dangers

That we all know is war

My love is tougher than any gun

And braver than you might think

It could fight for you for days on end

Without any water to drink.

My love would never let you down

Or get sick or injured

It would be there with you always

Or until they all surrendered.

My love would be there with you

If you should ever get lonely or sad

It would be there to ease your anger

During the times when you get mad

My love would be there to protect you

While you are in harms’ way

You would never have to worry about it leaving

My love would be there to stay

My love has withstood the tests of time

Through all these long separations

It’s not always easy to be in love

With a man who is in the military

But my love is better than most

And can weather any storm

So I will send it to you in this poem

Until you can come home
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Copyright Cheryl Blauvelt

Sources: Cheryl Blauvelt
              United States Air Force
              Davis-Monthan Web Site
              A10.org