The core values -- the bedrock to service

Published June 4, 2008
By Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback
509th Bomb Wing command chief

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo., -- When there is a visible enemy to fight, the tide of patriotism in this country runs strong. But when there is a long, slow struggle, with no immediate visible foe, when you watch your contemporaries indulging the urge for material gain and comfort and personal advancement, your choice will seem hard, and you will recall, I am sure, the lines found in an old sentry box at Gibraltar, "God and the soldier all men adore in time of trouble and no more, for when war is over, and all things righted, God is neglected and the old soldier slighted."

President John F. Kennedy shared these thoughts in 1961 while speaking to the Annapolis Navel Academy as our Nation began to see the struggles in Viet Nam. Our Air Force has been in continuous combat for over 17 years and these words still hold true.

You are Airmen who are called upon by our nation to serve at a time of war to deliver Combat Airpower for America or serve by our sister services as battlefield Airmen. You stand united as Airman warriors in the Profession of Arms.

But why do we serve? Why are we so seemingly willing to fight and, if need be, to die for freedom? The answer to that question is as simple -- and yet as complex -- as the soul of America itself. The reason we serve is embodied in the words of the oath that you first take when you enlist into the service of the country:

I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO HELP ME GOD.

This oath taken by each and every Airman exemplifies the reason why Airman do what they do each and every day. Airmen are defenders of the same principles that made this country great. You stand as Patriots to defend and protect the ideals and sentiments highlighted in the Constitution of the United States. At the very bedrock of this are our core values.

Integrity: "I will bear true faith and allegiance..." As Airmen, we will conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships and do what is right, even when unpopular. We must be honest and truthful in our dealings with each other, taking responsibilities for our actions and keeping our word.

Service: "I will support and defend..." As Airmen, we must have the courage to meet the demands of our profession and the mission. We make decisions in the best interest of the Air Force and the Nation without regard to personal consequences. Service before self allows Airmen the moral and mental strength to do what is right, even in the face of personal or professional adversity.

Excellence: "I will obey the orders..."As Airmen, we must exhibit the highest degree of moral character, technical excellence, quality and competence in what we have been trained to do.

Integrity, service, excellence; three simple words that sum up our duty as Airmen to the Nation and the people we serve. As our Airman's creed states, "You have answered your nation's call". You are an inspiration to this country and your service keeps the wheels of freedom turning every day. And so I encourage you to continue to work hard, with a strong sense of purpose. Work safely and to standard. Concentrate. Stay focused. Never forget that we are at war. Remember your core values and oath to serve are important in your service to our country!