Biden visits RAF Mildenhall

Standing on the RAF Mildenhall flight line July 2, Vice President Joe Biden talks with a group of Airmen, thanking them for their service and encouraging them to continue doing a great job. The Vice President stopped at the base for a few hours en route to an unspecified location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Austin M. May)

Vice president visits RAF Mildenhall, greets Airmen

Published July 2, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Several Airmen here got a chance to shake the hand of the United States vice president July 2 during a stop at the base en route to an undisclosed location.

Airman 1st Class Victoria Smith, 100th Security Forces Squadron, said when she arrived at RAF Mildenhall a month ago, she never imagined she'd be helping guard the vice president and shaking his hand.

"It felt good to have him talk to me," she said. "He obviously really appreciates what we do. Someone in his position wouldn't be able to just stop and talk to someone unless he really thought what they did mattered."

The vice president's sense of humor showed through when he spoke to Airman 1st Class Chad Glover, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron, asking him not to "hate on his hat."

Mr. Biden wore a U.S. Army hat during the meet and greet, telling the Airmen it was in support of his son, a U.S. Army captain.

"He was very down-to-earth," Airman Glover said of the vice president's friendly demeanor.

Also on hand from the event was Airman 1st Class Justin Chapman, who said the very fact that the vice president took the time to stop and talk to him showed his appreciation for the troops.

"He could have just changed planes and left quietly, but he took the time to come talk to us," he said. "It's good to have a leader who cares about us."

Mr. Biden was greeted at his plane, Air Force Two, by 100th Air Refueling Wing commander Eden J. Murrie and Master Sgt. John Carter, 100th SFS, who was recently named one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2009. Members of the 100th SFS assisted Secret Service agents in securing the RAF Mildenhall passenger terminal before the vice president arrived.