Thursday, August 27, 2009

COMMENTARY>>Honoring a legacy of valor

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

On Sept. 18 we will have a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony on base. This will give us an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s true heroes.

The true character of a country is displayed in how they honor those that stood and stand in defense of its citizens. All of us are the recipients of freedom due to the few who willingly defended the many.

This week I’d like to focus on ways each of us can pay the proper respect to our dedicated warriors. For those of us in uniform, the Airman’s Creed puts our expected conduct into the proper perspective. The reference to being faithful to a proud heritage is a clear mandate for us to continue to move forward as seasoned professionals in defense of our country. Each day we put on our uniforms, we are being measured against the standards our forerunners set for us. Their records are clearly and prominently established, while ours are still being developed. My hope is we never lose sight of the foundation set for us.

For those who are not wearing the uniform, I encourage you to become aware of the missions and challenges our military face.

When the opportunity presents itself, extending gestures of gratitude to our active-duty, Reserve, National Guard and retired members can go a long way. Each one of our service members sacrifice because they value our way of life and although not required, appreciate a word of thanks when you see them.

September 18 will be an important day on our base because we all get to say thank you to an ever-shrinking national treasure: we will be hosting several living ex-POWs. No matter what your political views are, our men and women fought and died for your right to live your life the way you currently do. So let’s do all we can to honor them daily.

Combat Airlift!

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