Moody part of military successes mentioned in State of Union address

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  • By 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Editor's note: Information from "Obama cites military successes in State of Union address" at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123239891 was used.

During President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Jan. 25, he spoke about the example set by service members in the military.

With more than 1,500 lives saved and 2,100 assists credited to 23rd Wing rescue forces in 2010, Moody is partially responsible for the military's success downrange as Airmen here carry out the base's mission of "Attack, Rescue, Protect."

The 23rd WG Flying Tigers serve in locations around the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. With an average of more than 1,000 Airmen deployed at any time, that mission will continue in 2011.

"Look to Iraq, where nearly 100,000 of our brave men and women have left with their heads held high; American combat patrols have ended; violence is down; and a new government has been formed," the president said. "Thanks to our heroic troops and civilians, fewer Afghans are under the control of the insurgency. There will be tough fighting ahead."

The nation has sent a message to all parts of the globe, President Obama said: "We will not relent, we will not waver, and we will defeat you."

Moody has played a large part in sending that message through carrying out personnel recovery and close air support missions, in addition to the jobs completed by Airmen in dozens of other career fields in many locations.

"We're one of the most heavily involved wings in the Air Force and it's important for the public to know that we are making a big difference," said Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd WG commander. "It's easy to forget the positive when you hear a lot of bad news, but we're definitely making progress downrange."

While about half the 1,800 lives saved are those of Americans and military members from other countries, the other half are of Afghan citizens.

America leads the world in the quest for freedom and security, the president said, and the nation must always remember "that the Americans who have borne the greatest burden in this struggle are the men and women who serve our country."