The Airman’s Creed
When I think about the Air Force, I think of planes and great medical personnel whom I must thank because in 2012 in Afghanistan they saved my life after I was hit by an IED! If you don’t think the Air Force and ground combat go together, you’re wrong because the Air Force has an elite combat and rescue team known as para rescue. Para rescue training is some of the hardest mental and physical training that any military branch has to offer. The Air Force has lead the way in many wars by clearing the air and ground for ground combat teams to move in and secure enemy area. They will often use a Warthog to deliver a fatal blow to an enemy or target. It is a sound you will always remember, and in combat, it’s a welcome one because no matter the enemy, when they unleash a Warthog on a target, the battle is over! The Airman’s Creed is similar to those in each military branch. They serve the people of the United States and the American way of life!
I Am an American Airman
The airman is a warrior and will answer our nation’s call. The majority of the people in the Air Force will never see ground combat. They will, however, be put into dangerous combat positions daily. The convoy ops en route to Tampa, Iraq, or Route 1 in Afghanistan have always been dangerous. The enemy uses IEDs, and this has been the most dangerous threat since OEF/OIF began. It doesn’t matter what war or conflict you consider, the Air Force and its airmen have played a very large and important role in winning battles, eliminating our threats, and winning wars. They are as dedicated and disciplined as any other branch and its service members. The men and women of the Air Force are some of the most intelligent members in military service.
I Am an American Airman
Their mission isn’t simple. Their mission and commitment is to fly, fight, and win! The airmen all value this commitment and strive to exceed expectations daily. It is hard to keep a plane flying or prepare 10 planes for battle in the matter of a few hours. The needed safety measures, mechanics, and aptitude is incredible. Without their dedication, we would win no battle or war. They are faithful to a proud heritage. They live a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor. If you don’t think an airman will stand on a wall or sit in a tower and secure a sector for combat troops or convoys to begin their mission, you’re wrong. If you think it’s easy in -10-degree weather to keep a c-130 in the air, you’re wrong. The dedication the airmen have should be recognized and appreciated by all! They will also save a marine or a soldier that has been wounded in combat. I know they saved me! They perform their duties with extreme honor and valor.
I Am an American Airman
They are guardians of freedom and justice. They are our nation’s sword and shield, its sentries and avengers! They will defend our country with their lives. If it wasn’t for OPSEC, I would talk about the many secret ways the Air Force protects us here at home from our enemy. The amount of flights the Air Force makes daily in combat is too many to count. They can find an enemy without the enemy even knowing that they are there. They save lives and prevent lives from harm by keeping them all out of harm’s way and eliminating threats from the air long before anybody ever knows a threat is there. They prevent enemy action by being proactive.
I Am an American Airman
They are wing men, leaders, and warriors! They will never leave a fallen airman. They will never falter nor fail! The Air Force men and women represent the best of the best. These are men and women who work long hours, work on dangerous airfields in places such as Bagram that gets mortared constantly. And they still keep those airfields safe for planes landing and taking off. They will drop in and rescue a downed pilot and his or her plane. They save lives in combat constantly. They deliver the marine and the soldier back home safely to their families from a foreign land. They represent the fighting spirit and what Americans stand for. They will always be in the fight until the end.
Aim High, Fly, Fight, Win
Thank you to all the Air Force men and women who take the Airman’s Creed and your service to our country and its freedom. Thank you for your dedication to duty and to the values you are committed to. You have saved me twice. I can walk today because of you. I am alive today because of you! You will always be our shield and sword!
- What’s Missing in Today’s Military: Integrity - March 20, 2018
- What’s Missing in Today’s Military: Honor - March 19, 2018
- Veterans without Care: What’s Wrong with the VA? - December 18, 2017
