Retired officer honors 'everyday heroes'

Such people make up the backbone of democracy, Rand said.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Ronald Rand looked up toward the warming sun, high in the blue skies dotted with puffy white clouds.
He then turned his attention to the audience of veterans, volunteers and safety forces assembled Friday morning on the lawn of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Retirement Services here.
"This is a glorious day," he said. "It's the same kind of day we had in Washington, D.C., back on Sept. 11, 2001."
Rand, a 32-year Air Force veteran, was in the Pentagon that day three years ago when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the government building at 9:43 a.m. After safety forces evacuated the building, they asked for volunteers to go in and help get the wounded to safety; Rand was one of the volunteers.
It was then, he said, he learned firsthand of the commitment and dedication of safety forces across the country.
Area services
He spoke at the "Tribute to Heroes" services, a memorial for 9/11, which took place in Niles and Poland.
He told the crowd as the days, weeks and months passed after Sept. 11, 2001, it was the paramedics, firefighters and police officers he noticed the most.
"They stood and watched over us as we first cleaned up that building and then rebuilt it," he said. "They did that on their own."
It's the police officers, firefighters, paramedics, military personnel, veterans and volunteers across the country who create "the backbone of democracy," he said.
On a daily basis, Rand continued, they are the men and women who risk their lives and endanger themselves in an effort to protect Americans and their freedoms.
"I don't know that we can ever repay these everyday heroes for the service and sacrifice they give so freely," Rand said. "We can at least say thanks."
Spoke about terrorism
Rand also spoke briefly about Operation Iraqi Freedom and America's ongoing war with terrorists. He spoke of his 18-year-old daughter, Emily, and how the war against terrorism would define her generation's lifetime, much as the Cold War with Russia defined his.
But it's for her and future generations the battle must continue, he said.
"I truly believe fighting terrorism has everything to with our children and grandchildren more than it has to do with us," Rand said.
Rand's last assignment was as director of public affairs, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs. During his military career, Rand, promoted to brigadier general Oct. 1, 2000, received numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired from the Air Force in January.