Iraq airfield named for soldier

[minibush1]

Iraq airfield named for soldier

From Staff Reports

Sunday, September 28, 2003
GRAVETTE ? An airfield on the dusty plains of Iraq now bears the name "Blair Field" in honor of Lance Cpl. Tommy Blair, who was killed in action during the opening days of the war with that country.

Blair, of Broken Arrow, Okla., is the son of Al Blair and grandson of Frances Bridges, both of Gravette. He was killed in action on March 24 when his unit, the 2 nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, was ambushed near An Nasiriyah.

The elder Blair received a letter from Lt. Col. Frank Miner explaining the renamed airfield. "We eagerly named one of the largest conquered Iraq airfields after your son," Miner said. "Al Kut Airfield has now been replaced with Blair Field. With great pride we erected a huge 20-foot ?Blair Field? sign over the headquarters? hangar entrance.

" Hearing KC-130 and helicopter pilots announcing their requests and intention to land at Blair Field reminded me his memory was alive and well. "

Miner added that a memorial service was held to remember the Marines who gave their lives.

Blair was buried with full military honors in Joplin, Mo.

 

[Martin]

what about the rest of the soldiers that died? Seems kinda unfair to them...

 

[LilBlinbBlahIce]

Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
what about the rest of the soldiers that died? Seems kinda unfair to them...

Not to mention the fact that it doesnt do much to dispel our image as "conquerors" when we want most people to beleive we are "liberators". Now I know I'm going to get flogged for saying that, and I'm not saying I'm opposed to naming an airfield after a fallen soldier. I'm just saying to look at it from the point of view of an Iraqi.