Just about six months ago, I packed up my office for the last time. The last time as a member the United States Air Force, that is. No, I didn’t get fired again. It was just time to sound retreat and turn things over to younger warriors. As I put my treasures away, I found it amazing how much stuff a person can accumulate in only 50 years. As I went about the process, I realized that what I really have is a collection of memories. Memories of people I’ve had the pleasure of working and living with throughout the world.
For some five decades people asked me why I served. The answer remains unchanged. It was always THE PEOPLE! Packing up my collection of memories reminded me of that. There are a few things about which I’m absolutely sure. One of them is that the Air Force is made up of the very best people in the world! Now, my Army, Marine, Coast Guard, and Navy brothers and sisters would probably argue with me, as well they should. The Space Force isn’t old enough to give me any guff. I’ve only been an Airman, so I can only speak from that paradigm, although, as I said for many decades, all our services begin with “US.” US Marines, US Air Force, US Navy, US Army, US Coast Guard, and US Space Force. It’s always been about US protecting our country.
In the time it took me to fill those boxes, I relived my military life as I recalled who took that picture, who gave me that memento or that coin, who I was serving with when I was presented that Chief bust. I was brought up under the principle that if you take care of the people, they’ll take care of the mission. That’s another thing about which I’m absolutely sure. What’s happened, in truth, is that as I’ve taken care of people, they’ve taken care of me, and together, we’ve taken care of the mission, we’ve protected our country.
I joined the Air Force to avoid being drafted. Not that I had anything against the Army, I say “Hooah!” pretty well, but green just wasn’t my color at the time. For those too young to know what the draft was, it was a process by which those who had never won a lottery, a door prize, or a raffle, were given the opportunity to win a free trip across the Pacific to a tropical paradise. Hey, that’s what the letter from President Richard Nixon said! I joined the Air Force because of the draft. I stayed because of the people.
Throughout my military life I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve with truly great leaders, colleagues, and followers. I’ve been mentored by people who had a much more expansive experience than I. I’ve had friends who have given me a different perspective on how to lead. And I’ve led young troops that educated me much more than they realized. I thank God every day for all those blessings, for all those people, that have helped make me who I am.
As our mighty Air Force turns 75, and as I pack up that last box, I’m so grateful for having been a part of the legacy its people have created and maintained for all those years. Technology has enabled the Force to grow expansively, and great leaders have empowered the Force to grow deeper. That combination has been, and will continue to be, unstoppable. I call it HEIRPOWER!
The last piece of history I put in its box was a plaque made for me by some young Airmen for whom I have the highest respect. That piece of art puts everything in the proper perspective. It quotes an old warrior that loved what he did every day of his military life. That quote will echo in that warrior’s heart for as long as he lives. It simply reads, “Isn’t this a GREAT day to be an American Warrior?!” Happy Birthday, US Air Force!
ALL IN! ALL THE TIME!
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