AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia -- A cold, rainy day didn't stop a leader from coming to Europe to meet with servicemembers from his state Sept. 7.
Senator Roy Blunt, (R-Mo.), visited Air Force Reservists from the 442nd Fighter Wing deployed here. The Airmen, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, are here as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an exercise that demonstrates U.S. 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's visit included a short windshield tour of the base and 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, and was given a JTAC demo and show of force with the 303rd A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.
His last stop was walking the flight line meeting 442nd 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 442nd get a chance to stand together. Thank goodness for them, their families and their willingness to serve."
"The 442nd matters, the A-10s matters and the support here matters," said Blunt as he bid farewell to the Airmen through the raindrops.