Thank you to Brigadier General Blanchard for the introduction, and to Maj. Otterbein for the welcome. I’d also like to acknowledge my Senior Enlisted Advisor, SEA Raines, and his wife, Karen, and my wife, Shannon. Also, to our WING Senior Leaders, Joint Base Andrews Mission Partners, NCOs and our Airmen—our most critical asset. The DC National Guard is an amazing organization. Every time I sit in a Tank, I see a DC Guardsman, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. That says a lot about the kind of leaders you produce here // Thank you for including me in this ceremony; I am truly humbled.
This is the best part of being Chief. Most of what I do as Chief is providing the best military advice as a Joint Chief, developing policies, and securing resources for the states, territories, and… yes… the District of Columbia! What I’m most proud of are our National Guard // Men and women // who make up the force. You, the airmen, getting after it every day, are what make the National Guard an indispensable part of the Joint Force.
It’s a joyous occasion to recognize the achievement, the excellence, and the courage of Maj Benjamin “Boom” Saunders, Maj Eric “Fume” Anderson, and Capt Ryan “Hammer” Boodee.
It reminds me of a quote by General George Patton, "Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."
When I read about the accomplishments of Viper 51 and Viper 61, “elite and lethal” come to mind. I could not be prouder of Boom, Fume, and Hammer. You represent the best of the National Guard. And, you join a heritage of excellence in the National Guard.
In 1927, a Missouri National Guardsman became the first airman to be awarded a military aviation award. The preceding summer, Congress authorized the Distinguished Flying Cross. That is the award I have the honor of presenting today. The Distinguished Flying Cross the oldest U.S. military aviation award. It recognizes heroism or extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. It “must be entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine.”
That Missouri Guardsman is a name you might remember from your history books. The first Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded to Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh for his solo flight of 3,600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927. This feat electrified the world and made Lindbergh one of America's most popular heroes. And now, today, we forward the legacy of exceptional flying in the National Guard that began in 1927.
Major Benjamin “Boom” Saunders and Capt Ryan “Hammer” Boodee as wingman on VIPER 51 and Maj Eric “Fume” Anderson, and Capt Austin “Press” Selzler flew as VIPER 61.
They faced a situation they trained their whole flying career for—To defend our Joint Team and Allies!! They faced a massive drone attack! They were operating outside of reliable radio contact with tactical command and control.
They engaged the Iranian drones with tactical expertise, exhausting their missiles and continuing with the 20mm cannon—the Chainsaw! Even after exhausting their ammunition, VIPER 51 continued to support their teammates in VIPER 61 to provide vital data to assist with targeting the remaining drones.
The actions that these pilots took reflect their courage, dedication, and willingness to volunteer for dangerous duties.
But none of this happened by accident. We train like we fight. These airmen worked hard to understand their aircraft, weapons, radar, tactics, and rules of engagement. The leadership of the 113th Wing set up realistic training.
When it was gametime, these aviators executed flawlessly. With speed, power, and precision. And, while we recognize their bold actions on one day in April, we are also recognizing all the reps and sets it took to be able to deliver under pressure.
This is an impressive citation, but I’d like to expand it. No one flies alone. Boom, Hammer, and Fume, were able to carry out this mission to the highest standards because of the maintainers, avionic crews, ammo, fuels and other wing personnel that hold the highest standards every day. Without the team that built the bombs, loaded the missiles and ammunition, without the Joint Force, coalition partners, as well as the countless support folks who aided in this mission—none of this could have happened. With very little notice, all responded admirably. When it was GO time, everyone pushed through with incredible urgency and expertise. I’d like to recognize those in the room who were on duty that day.
One of the Greats of Air Power, Hap Arnold, reflected on the responsibility all Americans have in supporting Air Power:
Our Air Force belongs to those who come from ranks of labor, management, the farms, the stores, the professions and colleges and legislative halls... Air Power will always be the business of every American citizen.
I’d also like to recognize the families in attendance here today. Our National Guardsmen owe a debt of gratitude to the family and friends who share their service, who endure the separations, and without whose support our airmen could not serve to their fullest potential. Jess, Ashley, and Nicole, we appreciate you, and thank you for your sacrifices you make as military spouses for the National Guard and our Nation.
As you receive the distinguished flying cross, you join the ranks that include Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeagar, Robin Olds, and even President George H.W. Bush. That’s an elite group.
This award reflects both your individual excellence and the collective service of the 121st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. On behalf of the Nation, the District of Columbia, and the National Guard, I’m pleased to award the Distinguished Flying Cross to these three deserving airmen.
By: Gen. Steve Nordhaus
[AS PREPARED]