CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
When I joined the Air Force in the early 90s, the Persian Gulf War was winding down.
Some of my first supervisors served in this war. From time to time they shared stories of their experiences about being an aircraft maintainer during combat with the close calls running for shelter during a Scud missile attack, the sound of a patriot missile defense system launching to intercept an incoming missile without any forewarning or the time one of the squadron's aircraft did not return after a bombing mission.
As I think back, I do not recall any of these individuals using terms like improvised explosive device, rocket propelled grenade or perimeter security detail. I also knew I wouldn't be facing a deployment to the Middle East anytime soon.
As the assistant first sergeant, one of my primary duties is to inprocess newly assigned Airmen to the squadron. This gives me the unique opportunity to sit down and have a one-on-one conversation with the member before he reports to his initial duty section.
In this relaxed environment we can talk about simple things like where their home is, if Charleston AFB was one of their selections for assignment, if they are in the career field they asked the recruiter for and what their family thinks about them joining the Air Force.
After getting through all the small talk, my final question is, "Why did you decide to serve your country, the United States of America, in a time a war?"
The responses can range from an occasional blank stare or a smile of uncertainty, but most answer with a sense of commitment, duty and honor.
Our nation's young men and women enter into military service freely and without undue influence.
It has been almost six years since the attack on the Pentagon and the World Trade Centers. Some of our Airmen were 12 or 13 years old at the time. They spent their teenage years watching the Global War on Terrorism being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet they still come forward to raise their right hand and swear to defend the Constitution of the United Stats of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Today's Airmen arrive at Charleston and, in less than 24 months, will probably find themselves deployed for at least 120 days in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism. They will have gone through warrior training at basic, they will be Fit to Fight and after Ability to Survive Training, they will know what the terms IED, RPG and perimeter security detail entail.
Make no question about it, they know the challenge that awaits them and they are willing to pay the ultimate price for their nation.