Airman: What it means to serve

  • Published
  • By Col. Darrell G. Young
  • 512th Operations Group commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As the 60th anniversary of the Air Force approaches and after being told recently that the term "troops" is inappropriate when referring to members of the Air Force, it made me stop and think about what it means to be an Airman. 

The following excerpt is from the Air Force handbook entitled, "50 Questions Every Airman Can Answer." In early aviation history, the term "Airman" was synonymous with "pilot." Shortly after the Air Force was established, "Airman" was shorthand for our junior enlisted grades. 

In today's context, either usage is too narrow. An Airman is any U.S. Air Force member (officer or enlisted; active, Reserve or Guard; and Department of the Air Force civilians) who supports and defends the U.S. Constitution and serves our country. 

We all have a tendency to focus on our own specialty and sometimes forget we are Airmen first. Because we are focused on what we do in the Air Force, we tend to lose sight of the basic reason for our service. 

How many times do you drive to work and think about what you are going to do today to support and defend the Constitution? Most of us never think about that; but, once in a while we need to stop and realize that is what we do. We need to realize that our contributions to that basic goal are no smaller or greater than any of the other folks in the wing. 

I can remember growing up and asking my father what his job was like, and he would always say he didn't have a job. He would explain to me that when he left every morning, he was going to perform duty not go to a job. 

He told me the story of his cousin, a B-17 gunner, who was killed over the skies of Germany. How he had died serving his country and doing his duty. He understood that his duty was to serve his country and never considered what he did as just a "job." He understood his day didn't start or end at a specific time. He knew he was there for as long as he was needed to get the mission accomplished. He understood he was first and foremost an Airman. 

That basic value or sense of service before self is just as important today as it was during World War II. I believe it lies within all of us or we wouldn't be doing what we do.
We sometimes let the daily trials and tribulations of our daily routines obscure the good that we do and the importance of our service. We tend to focus on the little things and forget about the big things. 

Please take the time, on occasion, and think about the impact you have as you perform duty. 

This wing wouldn't be nearly as successful as it is without your service. Your attitude and spirit continue to amaze me and make me realize how lucky I am to be serving with you. 

As a fellow Airman, I thank you for your service and all that you do to support and defend the Constitution.