United States Air Force Academy in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Global War on Terrorism
Afghanistan and Iraq
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Air Warrior Combat Memorial
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Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 3, 2023
1. Global War on Terrorism Marker
Inscription.
The Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 marked the
beginning of two conflicts of varying scopes. The attack initially
triggered retaliatory action by the United States and NATO in
Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. US- and theater-
based USAF airpower, teamed with Special Operations Forces and
USAF Airmen on the ground, directly targeted and contributed to the
downfall of the Taliban government which had allowed al-Qaeda to
train and orchestrate the 9/11 attack. On a larger scale, the response
initiated the Global War on Terrorism, aimed both at preventing future
terrorist attacks and eliminating terrorist organizations. In conducting
subsequent campaigns, the U.S. expanded its efforts from Afghanistan
to degrade terrorist organizations in other countries and regions. In
2003, the U.S. overthrew the regime of Saddam Hussein with Operation
Iraqi Freedom based on assessments that Iraq was developing weapons
of mass destruction. Air forces present for Operations Northern and
Southern Watch transitioned to support the developing Iraq War.
In both Afghanistan and Iraq, fighter, bomber
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and airlift support
provided essential support for ground forces during their initial
campaigns. Routine use of the Global Positioning System and precision-
guided bombs dramatically increased coalition ability to destroy
the most difficult objectives; moreover, this technology paired with
new doctrinal concepts enabled far more accurate and discriminate
targeting. Fighter and bomber aircraft, using intelligence collected by
remotely-piloted aircraft (manned by Air Force crews around the clock),
and synchronized by Air Operations Centers and airborne command
and control aircraft, worked together in an unprecedented way for the
Air Force to support ground operations at the smallest unit level. This
brought more air warriors closer to the fight, working in combat and
combat support either physically or remotely. Meanwhile, countless air
warriors have deployed, served and sacrificed in combat zones around
the world, executing an extremely wide range of ground and air missions
in support of this global conflict.
Erected by USAFA Class of 1971.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: 9/11 Attacks
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 3, 2023
2. Air Warrior Combat Memorial sign with GWOT marker in background on right.
Location. 39° 1.262′ N, 104° 50.949′ W. Marker is in United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, in El Paso County. It can be reached from the intersection of Stadium Boulevard and North Gate Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: USAF Academy CO 80840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range and in Pikes Peak Region. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comanchería.
More about this marker. Must have a valid ID to enter the USAF Academy grounds.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
