The past, present, and future of the U.S. military was celebrated across Central New York on Wednesday in honor of Veterans Day. The Onondaga County War Memorial hosted its annual Veterans Day Ceremony where County Executive Joanie Mahoney marked the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War in her speech to the crowd.
"Desert shield, Desert Storm and we come together as a community each year on this day to assure all veterans that we are eternally grateful for their service"
Veteran Lynn Sweatland from Liverpool reflected on his service over the years.
"I served several posts here and there, a couple of tours in Vietnam. I concluded my 24 years, 45 years ago. "
Syracuse University Vice Chancellor Dr. Mike Haynie and Executive Founder of the Office of the Institute of Veteran and Military Affairs was honored as Veteran of the Year. Syracuse University also held its own ceremony in honor of Veterans Day. See below for full story plus audio.
TRADITION OF SERVICE CONTINUES AS CADET IS SWORN IN BY HER FATHER
Veterans Day marked a milestone for a Syracuse University Air Force ROTC Cadet who officially continued her family’s path in the military.
In his keynote address, Brigadier General Michael Fantini told a crowd at SU's Hendricks Chapel that he wanted to fly from his days in grade school. And fly he has, serving numerous assignments as an F-16 pilot, and commanding a fighter squadrons in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fantini has logged more than 3,200 hours with four different aircrafts. He also earned several awards during his nearly 30 year career. But perhaps his biggest honor after all of the day’s festivities involves his daughter, Elizabeth, a sophomore in the college of arts and sciences.
"I had a fantastic opportunity, which I didn't know I would get to do when I committed to this engagement which would be enlist my daughter in the United States Air Force."
The Air Force has been second nature for the recently sworn in Cadet Elizabeth Fantini
" My mom as well as my father are both in the Air Force. I have grown up in the Air Force that is all I know. I bleed blue. I have always wanted to be in the Air Force. I am working on that right now."
The younger Fantini has already planned her path.
"I'm pre-med so I want to be a doctor. I would like to commission and go active-duty for a few years, maybe work at Walter Reed or go over to overseas hospitals. Wherever I am needed, I will go."
Brigadier general Michael Fantini knows his career, as well as his wife’s, have probably rubbed off on their children.
" It's not about widgets. Its about this concept of family and working together. I think my kids have seen this environment in the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense at large. They have made these young adult decisions that they want to go and do something like that."
Fantini currently serves as Principal Director for Middle East Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
