JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- More than 200 service members participated in the annual Combat Trucker Memorial and 5K Run at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 13, 2019. The run honored sacrifices made by ground transporters killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
U.S. Air Force Col. Eduardo Quero, 673d Logistic Readiness Group commander, spoke to the crowd about the important role the men and women of the 773d Ground Transportation Flight has.
Starting in 2004, Air Force ground transporters, then known as vehicle operators, began conducting combat convoy operations in Iraq. Warfighting logisticians completed 2,060 missions outside the wire and in harm’s way. They were attacked no less than 459 times with improvised explosive devices, small-arms fire, vehicle-borne IEDs and rocket-propelled grenades. Their incredible actions led to Bronze Stars, Purple Hearts, Combat Action Medals and commendation medals from 2004 until the mission was completed in 2011.
On Sept. 13, the JBER team honored all vehicle operators killed in action, however, they paid special recognition to U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Carl Anderson Jr, who was assigned to the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at then-Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
Anderson was born on Aug. 25, 1983, in Georgetown, South Carolina. After serving in the Navy Junior ROTC program at his high school, Anderson enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began basic training Dec. 6, 2001. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Feb. 2002, and completed vehicle operations training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He then served as a vehicle operator at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
He was killed in action Aug. 29, 2004, when the truck he was driving hit a roadside bomb in the northern city of Mosul, Iraq, where he was serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Anderson was escorting contract and local national supply trucks from Logistics Support Area Diamondback to forward operating base when his convoy was attacked. Anderson was buried at the Morning Glory Cemetery, Georgetown, South Carolina. His Bronze Star Medal citation speaks to his actions as heroic.
“The Ground Transportation heritage is near and dear to my heart, and any opportunity I have to spotlight their incredible bravery and sacrifice I will gladly accept,” said Tech Sgt. Anthony Quail, a multi-tour veteran of this mission. “Although we are here to pay homage to A1C Carl Anderson Jr., we cannot forget all other operators killed in action or the hundreds of operators wounded while conducting this historic mission.”
Quero also mentioned that we can never forget all of our brothers and sisters in arms for making the ultimate sacrifice, and the men and women of this flight have represented that flawlessly.
“It is absolutely critical that we don’t forget what these incredible individuals did in the name of our freedom,” Tech Sgt. Christopher Wiedmer said. “Generations of ground transportations will continue to honor our fallen through these events and others like them, but it is equally important that all Airmen remember they can be called upon to serve in any warfighting capacity. I am honored to share the heritage of my fallen brothers and sisters and can only hope to live up to their incredible examples.”
In closing, the men and women of JBER’s Ground Transportation Flight would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all 673d Air Base Wing leadership, soldiers from the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, USO, Task Force True North, and attendees for joining together and making this a truly memorable event.