A tribute to volunteers.

Good Evening, ladies and gentlemen. It's a tremendous honor to be with you tonight as we recognize some of the most outstanding volunteers who serve our military community. These folks are aptly referred to as "Very Important Patriots."

Not only are they true patriots, a term synonymous with loyalty and nationalism, they are very important.

Today, our military is facing a unique and demanding fight in the Global War on Terrorism. We are witnessing young men and women perform heroic feats everyday while rising to meet challenges their generation has not faced before. As the senior enlisted leader for our Air Force, can't begin to tell you how proud I am of our Airmen ... your Airmen.

And no less am I, my sister-service counterparts, and you, proud of our Soldiers Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen serving today.

I'm convinced the success we enjoy as the world's greatest military could not happen without your support. Our families, those who served before, and all our fellow Americans, are the reason we stand so firm in the fight for freedom.

I'd like to make you aware of the DOD-sponsored website, "America Supports You." One of its links allows the public to send messages to our service men and women. I'm honored to say there were more than 60,000 messages posted as of this morning. You can't help but feel the pride as you read through the comments. I pulled a couple off that I'd like to share you.

First, from Wes in St. Petersburg, Fla, writes:

"I cannot know who will read this. I also cannot say anything that could truly reflect the awe and respect the great men and women of our military inspire within me. My undying love and devotion to our troops cannot be aptly communicated by words, whether written or spoken. My every prayer is for their safety and peace. They are my heroes, and I hope I can inspire my children to have the heart and courage these men and women have displayed. Their parents and families can forever feel successful for the amazing job they have done in creating and raising the finest examples of humanity. If these words are being read by one of my heroes- Thank you and may God bless your every moment of life. You amaze me."

Wes certainly conveyed his passion for the work our service men and women are doing. But even the simplest of messages conveys the same thoughts.

Karli from Clarkston, Mich., writes simply, "Thank you for protecting our freedom." And that's what it all comes down to--keeping our country safe and free for the next generation, just as our forefathers did for us. The balance of sacrifice and support has spanned the time of our nation.

Today our military is engaged at a blistering pace. Our total force military, which includes National Guard, Reserve and active duty, are performing missions around the world; here at home and abroad they're supporting natural disaster relief, while aggressively employed in operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Additionally we continue to "stand the gap" in Europe, and hold the "front line" in Korea and across the Pacific.

Our total numbers currently deployed are over 230,000 including:

* Navy--27,000

* Air Force--28,000

* Marines--30,000

* Army--157,000

In all, over 1 million members of our armed forces have deployed at least one time in support of these operations and more than 300,000 have multiple deployments.

Many of you in this audience have experienced the stress that comes with your spouse or loved one serving at a deployed location--in fact, one of our award winners here tonight has been separated from her husband over the past year. It's never easy to handle everything on the home front, from kids to bills to maintenance--couple that with fears for the safety of the servicemember, it can be overwhelming at times.

We must continue to address the issues associated with this kind of stress and strain. Our Airmen and their families need to know that the right focus is being placed on their well-being; physically, emotionally and spiritually, and who they can turn to for help.

While so many spouses of our career service members deserve a medal for single-handedly managing the family and home front, we must take note that it is often our newest service men and women, and the families of Guardsmen and Reservist who are jolted into this role for the first time.

That's where organizations like the National Military Family Association are worth their weight in gold. Your tireless advocacy for quality of life, rights and benefits for military families continues to positively impact our force.

Your 35th anniversary theme, "Strong Families-Strong Force" is most appropriate. From the Survivor Benefit Plan to TRICARE benefits, military families can rest a little easier knowing NMFA is on the job. We truly thank you for caring and acting as the "Voice for Military Families."

To the six extraordinary volunteers here tonight: we will pay special tribute to you, because it is very important to recognize your tremendous and selfless efforts that you give to our armed services, your communities and nation. To everyone who gives his or her time and talent, we can't say thank you enough.

In addition to the public sending messages to troops on the "American Supports You" web site, there's also a link for those serving to post comments. I'll read just one, from Army Specialist Patrick Corder.

"I can't express enough gratitude towards everyone who supports us, especially when coming home. I truly feel like a hero when thanked, even though I do what I do because I'm an American and that's just what Americans do for their country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

I wish I could tell you it was going to get easier, but we all know the challenges facing our nation with this War on Terrorism. And, as Specialist Corder stated, "It's what we do!"

What I can tell you is I know NMFA cannot continue making the strides in legislation and enlisted support without all our efforts. It takes a team to win the game, and we all are vital players. Thank you for your dedication and loyalty. The challenges will continue and we will meet them head on!

To close my comments, I'll share a final quote from our commander in chief, President George W. Bush, who truly captures what these awards and this association stand for:

"We don't know the course our own struggle will take or the sacrifices that might lie ahead. We do know the strength and character that our troops and military families bring to the fight."

I am incredibly proud to serve in America's Air Force and armed forces, and along side great Americans like each one of you. Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of this special evening.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray 

Remarks at the "Very Important Patriots" Awards dinner, the National Military Family Association, Washington, Nov. 15, 2005