JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Throughout the year in the Airlift Dispatch, we have the chance to benefit from various commanders' who take the opportunity to share their views and perspectives on matters related to Air Force positions and policies.
Although topics include commanders' opinions on leadership, followership, professionalism, readiness, safety, family, volunteering, personal responsibility, the use of the chain of command and more, all of these commentaries share a goal. They exist to ensure Airmen and civilians employed by the United States Air Force do all they can to enable each other to work together to accomplish their roles in the mission.
It's important to not lose sight of the reason this Air Force exists. For example, during America's recent celebration of Memorial Day, some of our fellow citizens used the day off to relax, go fishing or invite family to a barbecue. Many also used the occasion to reflect on their fellow Americans or loved ones and acquaintances who paid the ultimate price to enable all of us to partake of the day's events. Those sacrifices are part of a legacy we should all strive to follow.
It's an undeniable fact the world in 2010 is a dynamic environment. Arguably one of its only constant defining qualities is continued, rapid change. Cable news networks and constant deployment schedules make it unnecessary to elaborate on how the world's condition impacts all of us and those we know.
So, what is the connection between Memorial Day and getting the job done? I hope it's obvious.
The Air Force's mission is to "fly, fight and win ... in air, space, and cyberspace." All of us, both Airmen and civilians, took an oath to join this Air Force. We cannot accomplish this vital role in defense of this nation unless we all do our part in getting the job done.
Whether you are the pilot of an F-16 or a C-17, the first sergeant of a squadron, or the civilian processing the paperwork involved in getting a new Air Force employee prepared for their first day on the job - you should never lose sight of the fact that your function is just a part of a bigger picture. It ultimately contribute to whether the Air Force will be able to perform its assigned role in continuing to protect this nation, which on Memorial Day, paid its respects to more than one million men and woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us.
So, the next time you read a commander's Airlift Dispatch perspective, or attend a meeting where methods of keeping yourself or those you care about in the best mental, emotional or physical state of well being, please do your best to keep its objective in mind.
We owe giving our best and doing our best to those who came before us - Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines who we honor on Memorial Day. We can do this by partaking in a solemn event on that day. But while we are wearing the uniform of an Airman or are identified by any pay grade in the Air Force, we can pay back homage daily by all doing our part in getting the job done.