CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Everett Group, a commercial research company, conducted a survey from March 28 to April 5 to determine public opinion of the Air Force.

The results are in and the American public is A-O-K with the United States Air Force.

"The Air Force believes in not only having the most trained but also the most educated force," said Col. Mark Bauknight, vice commander of the 315th Airlift Wing. "Those two things combined create highly skilled, highly capable Airmen who can thrive in both the military and civilian worlds."

Throughout the survey, the Air Force was continuously associated with positive terms, such as: technology, skilled, professional, and excellence.

"My training with the Air Force has made me more driven and determined," said Airman 1st Class Lanny Ludden, a reservist and aerospace propulsion maintenance apprentice with the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "Not only has it given me the technical skills needed to do my job in the Air Force, but I've also received the tools and skills necessary to be successful in the civilian realm."

Airman Ludden said he got his civilian position with General Electric at a gas turbine technical laboratory as a direct result of his Air Force training.

There was a noticeably high agreement among Americans that the Air Force makes young men and women into leaders.

"The Air Force provides education, training, experience and responsibility," said Staff Sgt. Shanna Knagenhjelm, an aerospace medical technician with the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron who recently reenlisted in the Air Force Reserve. "All of those factors combined are great confidence builders that instill a belief that you can succeed in anything set before you."

Seventy-nine percent of Americans polled agreed that service in the Air Force is an honorable profession they would recommend for a young person.

"I have definitely experienced a sense of appreciation from the community," said Sergeant Knagenhjelm. "I had a firefighter give me a hug and thank me for my service in the United States Air Force. It was an honor to have someone who is a local hero look at me with pride."

And when comparing the services, 91 percent of those polled, believe the Air Force values the lives and well being of its members.

"I wanted to be a jet mechanic and I had the opportunity to do that as either an Airman or a Marine, but I chose the Air Force because I heard they take great care of their people," said Airman Ludden. "My decision has continuously been reinforced since I joined."

Eighty-nine percent of the 1,200 adults polled across the country say they have great confidence in the Air Force.

"Their confidence makes me proud and I believe it's a result of our track record. We have a great track record of getting the job done," said Colonel Bauknight.

Ninety percent of Americans polled seemed to agree: when America calls on the Air Force; the Air Force does the job.