OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Members of U.S. Strategic Command, former members of disestablished Strategic Air Command and their families memorialized SAC warriors during the SAC Memorial Sunday Service here.

"We come to remember those servicemembers who offered their bodies, hearts and energies to fight for a better world," said Chaplain (Maj.) Jerry Sather, 55th Wing Senior Protestant Chaplain, Offutt Air Force Base.

The annual SAC Memorial Sunday Service began in 1958 by SAC Commander-in-Chief Gen. Thomas S. Power and Command Chaplain Col. George S. Wilson. The program was initiated to pay tribute to SAC combat crew personnel who were killed while flying missions.

"We knew there was a job to be done . and the depths with which it would take us to fulfill our mission's success," said Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Alfred Buckles, a guest speaker at the service.

Buckles reported to SAC in 1959 and spent 31 years of his military career at the command. He gave a vivid and emotional recollection of his enlisted perspective on SAC and expounded on the power the command displayed. The recognition of the role of enlisted forces was evident at SAC and continues today with USSTRATCOM's "Year of the Enlisted Global Warfighter".

"During that time, I was part of and experienced an unbelievable growth of the nation's military power that ensured our adversaries . would not see a day that they thought they could dare attack us," said Buckles.

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USSTRATCOM commander and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Leo Smith also spoke during the service to pay homage to the SAC warriors.

"Though I cannot say I have had the pleasure of serving with SAC in my Air Force career, I have had the privilege of serving in several of SAC's lineage forces," said Chilton.

Chilton, a former astronaut with 33 years of service served with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and the 8th Air Force. Chilton also flew B-52s and U-2s, both airframes a staple of the Cold War.

"We look back with great pride to Strategic Air Command, to the history of that command and to the example set by that command. And, it inspires us at U.S. Strategic Command to continue to carry the torch of deterrence today. "We have not forgotten the lessons we have learned and continue to learn from the history books and those who aren't with us today who served at SAC," emphasized Chilton "It reminds us of what is required to preserve freedom for the United Stated of America."

As part of the SAC Memorial, a stained glass window was designed and is currently installed in the SAC Memorial Chapel. Also, along the west wall of the chapel are window murals representing the command's 72 divisions, wings and groups.

For more information about USSTRATCOM history, go to
http://www.stratcom.mil/history/.