JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
As I approach the end of my military service I know that I will miss it terribly. As a traditional reservist, I hold positions in both the public sector and military service.
My civilian occupation is enjoyable and in fact more financially rewarding than my military service, but there is no comparison when it comes to the fulfillment I gain from being a part of delivering freedom and hope throughout the world while wearing the Air Force uniform.
Without any disrespect to the fine folks I work with at my civilian job, working with the men and women of the 437th Airlift Wing, 315th AW, and 628th Air Base Wing, gives me much greater satisfaction. They are a tremendously committed, talented and professional group. As Airmen, we do our jobs not for the money or praise, but because it's the right thing to do. It's about being a part of something bigger than ourselves ... making a difference in the world.
Just look at a few of the things we've done over the past 10 years. At Joint Base Charleston we have delivered thousands of troops into combat and brought thousands more back home again.
We've delivered tons of equipment and supplies to our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas of operation.
We also have the honor of returning our military casualties back home.
We delivered tons of vital aid to Haiti after the catastrophic earthquake in 2010.
We delivered medical, dental, education and agricultural supplies as well as furniture, vehicles, machinery and clothing to support ongoing relief and development projects to countries in need.
I know that sometimes we become frustrated by the large number of additional training requirements, the many inconveniences to our personal lives and our long, demanding workdays, but taken as a whole, there is no better profession. Your work is very important and at times stressful. You should always be able to do that work with a smile on your face. Take it from the old guy who is at the end of his career ... enjoy it while you can. I would trade places with any second lieutenant and do it all again. I know I've been smiling for the past 24 years.