VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Second place is not an option

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


If you don’t think what we do is serious, I would ask you to look around the world and take a hard look at the events that are taking place. Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom are places where Team Little Rock’s involvement has proved essential, not to mention the numerous humanitarian missions our team has supported while providing hope to the hopeless. I ask each of you to reflect on what it truly means to be a part of Team Little Rock and the U.S. Air Force.

Maximizing our training and resources can make the difference between victory and defeat…as well as sustaining life to those who have been otherwise cut off.

It’s why we train and prepare so diligently. Our nation and global coalition partners are counting on us to be the best in the world at what we do. My question to you is: are you being the best for your nation that you can be?

Historically, our airlifters have faced tremendous odds while deploying America’s sons and daughters along with much needed supplies in order to turn the tide of the battles we have faced.

The profession of arms is one which second place is nothing to be proud of. If we cannot continue to be the best air, space and cyberspace force, then everything we have fought to establish as a nation could potentially be in jeopardy.

As the world’s center of excellence for Combat Airlift, we can never forget that our mission is bigger than us. Our Airman’s Creed truly puts the concept of “finishing first” in perspective. We must balance knowledge of mission, self and heritage, and be the best Wingmen and Airmen that we can be.

Being and sustaining the world’s best Air Force is not something you can turn on like a light switch. It is daily dedication; our nation counts on each one of us to make this happen. Second place is not an option. Combat Airlift!