VIEW FROM TOP>>Your service matters

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing Command Chief

Our wing is dominated by people who embody the attitude of service. From a military standpoint our dedicated Airmen answer the call to provide combat and humanitarian relief every day. Providing Combat Airlift to those in need of personnel and supplies has saved many lives by keeping trucks off the road in dangerous environments. I have personally witnessed the looks of relief on the faces of people who were evacuated from storm ravaged locations. Without the service of our active duty, guard, reserve, civilians, family members and local community we could not accomplish our mission.

Each day I come to work, I see our security forces walking children across the street to school; I also see John Heffernan who is retired, yet gets up early to assist in this endeavor. Many of our military personnel do things like coach sports, promote our youth through Big Brothers and Sisters, as well as lead scout troops typically after putting in many hours in uniform. Your service to others is one of the things that make our country great. As Airmen, these examples demonstrate to me that we are our brother’s keeper.

You see service is about others and our folks get this principle. I thank those of you who contributed to our food bank to help those who are going through a rough patch. Individually we can help a few; yet if we focus our efforts together, we can move mountains. Just ask the ladies that volunteer at the chapel on Fridays to make caps and blankets for cancer survivors. The caps help those who lose hair through treatment, and the blankets provide comfort when the cold spells kick in.

The bottom line is that your service matters. Never forget trying times are not times to quit trying. Thanks for your service.
Combat Airlift!