WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the second of the two airmen flying the downed F-15E fighter jet over Iran was recovered from enemy territory by U.S. military rescue personnel, displaying tremendous resolve and commitment to our ethos of never leaving fellow service members behind. This recovery came on the heels of the initial rescue on Friday of the aircraft’s pilot and separate recovery of an A-10 pilot whose aircraft was hit by enemy fire near the Strait of Hormuz on a similar timeline.
On behalf of the more than 1.3 million VFW and Auxiliary members across the globe, I commend, celebrate and extend my deepest gratitude to all involved in the search and rescue operations that brought each of the airmen to safety. American military aircrews and special operations personnel endure grueling training for moments like these as displayed by the F-15E weapons officer's successful evasion from Iranian forces for two long days. While we all hope those skills are never called upon, our service members and their families rest easier knowing that their training has prepared them, and that their battle buddies, fellow Marines, sailors, airmen, Guardians and Coast Guardsmen will come for them.
As families around the country gathered for the Easter holiday, brave American service members were in hostile territory, doing everything in their power to leave no one behind. The VFW stands by each and every one of them. Know that we are here for you now and when you return home to ensure you get the care and benefits you have courageously, honorably and dutifully earned.