VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- U.S. Space Force Col. James T. Horne III, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, speaks at a Memorial Day ceremony at the Santa Maria Cemetery in Santa Maria, May 25, 2026. Team Vandenberg leadership participated in Memorial Day ceremonies in various local communities.
On this day, we proudly continued the legacy of veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation as well as recognize those who live on. Lucille 'Sue' Friend Manson, 102 year old veteran, was recognized at the ceremony and given a certificate of appreciation by Col. Horne.
Manson, a Nebraska native, served in the Women’s Army Corps from 1944 to 1952, and was stationed at Wiesbaden, Germany as clerk and typist during the Berlin Airlift. Manson would exit the Army as a Tech. Sgt.
Memorial Day, a federally recognized holiday, serves as a time to commend and appreciate the service and defense upheld by fallen heroes of our nation.