COMMENTARY>>A simple request

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

I recently received a note from a good friend of mine who is deployed and it caused me to put things in better focus. His note referenced having to run many convoys through dangerous territory for the purpose of taking care of his fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines.

The request was simple, yet profound. He asked for those inclined to pray to keep him and those he serves with in their prayers. He also asked his friends to continue to watch over his family while he is deployed. The reason I highlight this simple request is to remind each of us that what our military does is serious and requires tremendous sacrifice every day.

I am certain my friend, as well as each of our deployed Team Little Rock members, have a greater appreciation for the things that many of us take for granted here everyday. Each of us gets in our vehicle without the concern of an explosive going off on the way to our destination. You see, the price we pay for freedom will always be immeasurable. Can you put a price on the value of a husband, father, brother, son, mother, daughter, wife or sister?

Yet each day, these folks lay their lives on the line to ensure our way of life doesn’t change. See, our military sees ourselves as our brother’s keeper. So while many people debate about how the war is going, the reality for our people is they are in a life-and-death struggle everyday, and each of them deserves our deepest admiration and support.

Each of us in uniform has the mandate to ensure we are ready technically, physically, mentally and spiritually when our name is called to move out in freedom’s defense. I thank each of you for your service, sacrifice and commitment to our nation. Never forget those who stand vigilant for all of us. I am grateful to my friend and each of you for your service, and I plan on honoring his simple yet profound request.

Combat Airlift!