Wounded warriors given red carpet welcome Published Nov. 12, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affiars LAS VEGAS -- Airmen from Nellis greeted wounded warriors and their spouses from around the country in a welcome ceremony Wednesday Nov. 11 at the Venetian Hotel. Upon arrival at the Venetian, the veterans received a red carpet welcome featuring singing gondoliers and cheering team members. The veterans were lead through the casino to an outdoor seating area where approximately 100 uniformed Airmen from Nellis cheered them on. "I have a lot of family members that are war veterans, so I wanted to come out and show my support to these men and women," said Airman 1st Class Jenna Smotherman, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion engine specialist. During the ceremony, the Nellis Honor Guard presented the colors, Steve Amerson sung the national anthem. Various community leaders and officials spoke to the veterans, including U.S. Sen. John Ensign. "I feel inadequate, but very privileged standing in front of you today," Senator Ensign said. "Because of the sacrifices you have made, we can enjoy our freedoms." In honor of Veterans Day, the Venetian is providing the veterans three nights in their hotel, and they will be treated to a special Blue Man Group "Tribute to the Troops" performance, a show by Wayne Newton at the Tropicana Hotel, be guests of the Terry Fator Show, take a helicopter tour of the Las Vegas strip, and visit the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. American Airlines, the Blue Man Group, the Sands Foundation, Mega Red, Bank of America and ThanksUSA sponsored the event. Transportation of the wounded warriors was provided by one of American Airlines' yellow-ribbon-decaled aircraft, The Flagship Freedom.
