VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Let integrity guide you

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
314th Airlift Wing command chief


Our core values are the bedrock establishing who we are as an institution. Integrity is one of those things that cannot be negotiated nor compromised. Our nation trusts us implicitly to do the right thing as ambassadors around the world, and we must not take that trust lightly. I can say without hesitation that I am awed daily by displays of sound integrity here at Team Little Rock.

For those of you who run full speed daily with “Integrity First” guiding your conduct, I say “thank you.” Yet, I along with the rest of our senior leadership have seen a recent trend of those who put themselves above the rest of us to the detriment of our organization.

When people wrongly decide it is OK to get involved in activities such as illegal drug use, drinking and driving or theft, it compromises everything we do. The impacts of such activities on the lives of those we serve with are put in jeopardy and are inconsistent with military service.

I am thankful for the overwhelming majority of our Team Little Rock members who understand that serving their country is a privilege and that integrity is something which cannot be watered down. I also want to encourage those who have not fully embraced this concept to re-evaluate what it means to be a part of our team.

Too much is at stake as we serve in the profession of arms. All you have to do is look at the news and see the countless acts of sacrifice our military members make for our way of life, and we owe it to them to ensure we walk and live with integrity.

It is imperative that we all do everything within our control to foster a positive impression of the Air Force by our fellow Americans. Thank you, again, for doing all you can to lead with “Integrity First” and foremost as your guide. Combat Airlift!