March 22, 2024 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary held a remembrance program Friday, March 22, 2024, to honor those who served in Kosovo and who were a part of Operation Allied Force.
The program was led by Post Commander Richard Lundie, and he offered the opening prayer.
Pictured are (from left): Derrick Roberts, Gene Hutto, Mary Fausett, Teresa Hume, Carolyn Umbrell, Larry Jones, Mike Wulf, Richard Lundie, and Larry Hume.
“25 years ago today, on March 24th, 1999, NATO launched an air campaign called Operation Allied Force, the halt the humanitarian devastation that was then unfolding in Kosovo,” said Lundie. “The decision to intervene followed more than a year of fighting within the province, and the failure of international efforts to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means. NATO announced the suspension of the air campaign on June 10, 1999.”
Once it was concluded, a Military Technical Agreement with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was signed between the International Security Force and the Governments of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Serbia.
NATO casualties were light and allies suffered no fatalities as a result of combat operation.
“Two American Army helicopter pilots, Chief Warrant Officer David Gibbs and Kevin Riker died when their AH-64 helicopter crashed in the early hours of May 5, 1999. The crash was not due to enemy fire, but two of America’s finest died in the early hours of May 5, 1999. died that day serving their country,” said Lundie.
In honor of those who served, and those who lost their lives, Post member Larry Jones placed a memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
Taps was then played as presented by Gene Hutto, Past-Post Commander.
The program was concluded and it was announced the next program hosted by VFW Post 8904 will be held Friday, March the 29, at 10am, to honor Vietnam Veteran Memorial Day and the 51st anniversary of the last combat troop to leave Vietnam.
