TOP STORY > >Base personnel celebrate the life of Dr. King

By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

On Jan. 18 the nation celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister, activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, advocate of nonviolent civil disobedience and a prominent leader of the American civil rights movement.

Members of Little Rock Air Force Base commemorated his life at a luncheon Jan. 14 at Hangar 1080.

At the luncheon, base personnel took time to capture Dr. King’s power of influence and actions that created change in a nation.

“Today is a day to reflect on the outstanding achievements of Dr. King, and to pay tribute to this great man,” said Chief Master Sgt. Frankie McGriff, 19th Equipment Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. “I believe that we’re all indebted to Dr. King because [he] was a catalyst for justice and [racial] equality for our nation.”

According to Chief McGriff, Combat Airlift and Doctor King can be tied together. “In myresearch of Combat Airlift and Dr. Martin Luther King, the common thread that I see between the two, is that both were heavily involved in peace and humanitarian efforts,” he said.

“Whenever there’s a catastrophe where people need help, usually the C-130 aircraft is almost always the first aircraft to land, to bring in supplies and bring out the sick and the wounded,” said Chief McGriff. “Likewise, Dr. King would see a need in a city and mobilize to that city to bring them the leadership to help with justice and racial equality.”

People around the world will always remember the positive actions of Dr. King and the impact he made on America. “Dr. King died for the cause of justice,” said Chief McGriff. “There have been many Combat Airlifters who have died for freedom.”

Dr. King put his life on the line for justice, equality and ultimately paid the highest price to make democracy a reality for all Americans.

According to www.thekingcenter.org, Dr. King, was a vital figure of the modern era. His lectures and dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation. The movements and marches he led brought significant changes in the fabric of American life through his courage and selfless devotion. This devotion gave direction to thirteen years of civil rights activities. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world.