Gosney tells EMCC why he is proud to be an American

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keith Holcomb
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Col. Douglas Gosney, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, spoke at East Mississippi Community College during their ‘Proud to be an American’ program Nov. 7.

The event has taken place for 15 consecutive years and this year it was held with Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, in mind because of the 70th anniversary of the Air Force and the 75th anniversary of the base.

“This time helps us to stop and reflect to think about something that unifies all of us,” said Cathy Kemp, Dean of Students and Campus Director at EMCC. “We’re just so appreciative of the service members’ presence here, it does a world of good to our students to see the service and dedication.”

With some classes paused or postponed, students were able to attend the event.

Gosney took the stage, thanking the staff, choir and Junior ROTC students for their hard work putting together the event.

“Our men and women in uniform go through quite a lot during and after their time in uniform and to know they are appreciated truly means a lot to them, I can tell you that for sure,” Gosney said.

He mentioned the heroes are not only uniformed members, but those who support the uniforms, and those who support their fellow Americans.

Gosney then talked about why he chose to serve and why he has pride in what he does.

He told the stories of two pilots from Columbus AFB who make him proud to be an American, and why he’s proud to be a service member.

Both pilots earned medals for their incredible service, notably Lt. Col. Joe Jackson who had earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam.

“Those in uniform [then and] today stepped up to answer our nation’s call,” Gosney said. “They are providing security and comfort in these faraway places so others can live in peace, free of oppression and brutality. Our willingness to help others by way of risking ourselves and our own way of life makes me proud to be an American.”

Leaving the podium Gosney received a standing ovation and applause from the audience finalizing the day’s event.

“At the end of the day we are all trying to live by our core values whether we are in or out of the uniform. After 30 years in the uniform I can still say I’m proud to be an American,” said retired Chief Master Sgt. (Dr.) Rita Felton, who helped give advice throughout the event’s planning process.