Senator Blunt Visits Estonia

  • Published
  • By Capt. Denise Haeussler
  • 442d Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia --  A cold, rainy day didn't stop a leader from coming to Europe to meet with servicemembers from his local district.

United States Senator Roy Blunt from Missouri visited Air Force Reservists from the 442d Fighter Wing at Amari Air Base in Estonia Sept. 7. The Airmen are here as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve where the U.S. is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of action designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to ensuring peace and stability in the region.

The senator began his visit with a briefing about Amari Air Base and the Estonian Air Force. After a short windshield tour of the base, he went up in the control tower to watch a few planes take off and land. He then went to see the German Air Police who are also here as part of OAR, and he saw their Euro Fighter aircraft.

At a lunch with the Airmen and the Estonian military, Blunt told everyone that what they are doing here really matters.

"Things could go bad quickly here and we want our NATO allies to know we are here to support them," he said. "If you've ever been on the other side of freedom, you know that it's not passed through the bloodline. We have to fight for freedom."

After lunch, Blunt went to the operations center where he met with Air National Guard Joint Terminal Attack Controllers from the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron out of Oklahoma City, and was given a JTAC demo and show of force with the 303d A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.

His last stop was walking the flight line meeting 442d FW maintainers and admiring the A-10s parked on the ramp.

"Today was a great opportunity to exercise our skills and encourage our allies," said Blunt.  "It's another place where the men and women of the 442d FW get a chance to stand together.  Thank goodness for them, their families and their willingness to serve."

"The 442d FW matters, the A-10s matter and the support here matters," said Blunt as he bid farewell to the Airmen through the raindrops.