View from the top>>The Air Force, is it in you?

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief

I can walk around and clearly determine who is in the Air Force by looking at their uniform. Although, there are many who don’t wear the uniform that clearly are a vital part of our organization. But my question to you is, is the Air Force in you? You see there is a difference in being in the Air Force and the Air Force being in you.

Being in the Air Force means you are showing up to work and doing exactly what is being asked of you, no more but in some cases less. Yet the Air Force and its leadership is doing all it can to ensure you have the best work, living and family environment possible. Some of the folks who have had challenges with maintaining standards are in the Air Force, but not fully invested in our organization.

On the other hand, those who strive for excellence on and off duty are allowing the Air Force to live within them. People like Chief Master Sgt. James Sargent who could have passed on a deployment, but went a few months before he retires after 30 years. Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz, Jr., will be handing over the wing in a couple of days, yet he continues to work tirelessly to ensure he has given our base his best efforts. Senior Airman Teresa Davis who works in finance, yet spends numerous hours working with our 5/6 council are a few examples of living the Air Force core values.

Our retiree and volunteer communities understand what it means to be committed to something greater than themselves. If I were to be honest, I would tell you I was a staff sergeant before the Air Force was in me. I had been selling the Air Force short, while it had been taking care of me and my family. So I encourage each of you to ask yourselves: Is the Air Force in me?
Combat Airlift!