Niner's Notes Published Nov. 5, 2007 By Col. Garrett Harencak 509th Bomb Wing commander WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Veterans Day is a time to reflect on our legacy as warriors and defenders of liberty and our great nation. It is a day in which we can pay tribute to those who have preceded us and to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I hope all of us at Team Whiteman have an opportunity to reflect upon the tremendous commitment, leadership and sacrifice displayed by the men and women who served our nation so courageously in the past. Not just because not to do so would be unforgivable to the memory of those who served and those who died, but because the accomplishments of our brother and sister warriors who came before us should stand as a shining example of what we can do today if we continue to remain focused, dedicated and willing to make the sacrifices necessary to seek out and destroy America's enemies. This Veterans Day is made all the more significant for the 509th Bomb Wing, with the recent passing of our first commander, Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets. General Tibbets flew the B-29, Enola Gay, on the mission dropping the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. His leadership and courage of the historic mission marked the end of World War II. We carry on the legacy of such heroes every day at Whiteman Air Force Base and at more than 30 locations around the world where our warriors are deployed in harm's way. As always, thanks for all each of you and your families do every day for Team Whiteman, our Air Force and America.