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Show HILL TOP TIMES Thursday, November 7 1 0, 1 983 editorials that freedom is not free and that the blessings of A grateful nation salutes all veterans DAY Today, veterans continue to be counted as active participants in our democratic process and civic programs, benefiting all who cherish our way of life. As we observe Veterans Day tomorrow, our grateful nation salutes its veterans whose courage, loyalty and continued dedication are an inspiration to us all. President Ronald Reagan On this year's Veterans Day, Americans across our iand pay tribute to those whose military service has ensured our legacy of peace and freedom a legacy for which members of our armed forces have endured hardships and made the supreme sacrifices throughout our history. Veterans are still in the forefront of those defending the cause of freedom. They, especially, know Heriflcage is VETERANS liberty must be ever safeguarded with" responsible citizenship and steadfastness of purpose. In times of war and peace, these patriots were and they did. asked to stand up and be counted Commander-in-chie- f democracy's sunrvivoil Gen. James P. Mullins Commander, Air Force Logistics Command In recent weeks, events around the world have demonstrated once again the inherent brutality of man and reaffirmed what we've always known: that there are those who will wantonly use all the destructive power at their disposal to achieve their particular goals. Of course, this unpleasant reality is nothing new. r Throughout its history, our democracy because survived not democracies has just naturally survive because, in fact, they don't. Rather, we have survived because we've been strong, because we've had a dedicated and capable armed force one which has always met the test of great conflicts and since World War II, one which has prevented another general war from occurring. As we observe the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, it's important that we keep this fact in mind: the survival of ourjdemocracy is the real meaning of the uniform we wear it's the real heritage of what we are today. For without the years of uncounted sacrifice by members of America's armed-forces- , our democratic way of life would not exist and without doubt, neither would we. 207-yea- By It has always been a fact of life that those unable to defend themselves, or otherwise deter the aggression of others, have ultimately been victimized by such aggression. In fact, time and time again, lesson that history has taught us the strength, not weakness, charts the only reliable course to survival. . (LOGNEWS v Nov .11 CMS AF Sam E. Parish reflects ESeeoelfoDDDg irngfotf comCommunication constructive, two-wa- y munication between Air Force leadership and the field is a top priority of the eighth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sam ErParish. The top Air Force enlisted member discussed this and other subjects in a Pentagon interview two months after succeeding CMSAF Arthur L. "Bud" Andrews. CMSAF Parish wants more communication between the various levels within the Air Force, especially between the field and Air Force leadership. "I feel it's imperative to let the Air Force leadership know the enlisted corps' concerns," he said. "That's where I can help. I'll visit the field and then make sure legitimate concerns reach the right ..people here. people ns top AP "Be proud of what you are. Just remember that responsibility for a little bit of the mission rests on the shoulders of every person in the Air -- Force. the people of the Air Force. We are performing ex- ceedingly well.". And the chief master sergeant of the Air Force thinks Air Force members should be proud of their role, their contributions to the defense of the United States. "Air Force members should never belittle their position in the Air Force by saying they are person, just an administration 'just a supply '' he "Be proud of what you are. said. specialist,' will if you j ust remember that Believe me, you responsibility for a little bit of the mission rests on the shoulders of every person in the Air Force." The right start in instilling this pride and charting the course of a young person's first four years, and possibly their career, is crucial, the chief said. to our "The first 30 to 60 days is young people. How we integrate them into the Air Force family makes all the difference in the world. The supervisor's responsibility is of paramount importance at this point. "Greet, tend to basic needs, explain that he or she will play an important role within the unit and you will have a real team member complete with pride, discipline and motivation." ';. "I think every direct supervisor should know as much about subordinates and their families as possible. Not to the point of interfering, but to the point of knowing." ..v.: "Many of the concerns discussed among airmen, noncommissioned officers and senior NCOs somehow never seem to surface at the proper level. We need open communication to properly work these concerns." Quality of Air Force life One of the greatest concerns expressed by the all-import- senior enlisted advisers in these meetings is the quality of Air Force life, CMSAF Parish said. "The senior NCO leadership really thinks the senior Air Force leadership is working the matter very, very hard. But our leaders can do only as much as Congress will appropriate funds for. "Therefore, it is up to our senior NCO leaders to be realistic in what they ask for. They need to distinguish between what is needed and what is desired to keep ours the most viable force possible." CMSAF Parish has only the highest praise for today's enlisted force, calling it "the highest quality enlisted force in the history of the Air Force." "Our enlisted force is well motivated, they look good. They're well educated and they perform outstandingly," he said. He discounts the theory that today's enlisted members enter the military only to escape unattractive economic conditions. "I don't believe that. People wouldn't make the sacrifices of being in the military just to escape a bad economy. Patriotism, education, job satisfaction and other factors must also be considered as well. "You can't cat patriotism. If we don't keep pace with inflation, and pay our people a decent salary, and allow them to have a retirement that is compatible with what they are doing for the country, we'll lose our most critical resources again." "Of course, as with anything, we can make some improvements," he admitted. "We still have 'pockets' of our population that aren't as disciplined as they could be or look as good as they could. We still have some drug-- and alcohol-relate-d problems. But only a very small percentagejqf our population fits intb'tEese categ6rieirirm a strong behever in In discussing some of the major benefits and entitlements issues, he assessed them as being "on course," but added a precautionary footnote. He said, "If a feeling is allowed to return that leaders are not concerned about the welfare of the military s could, member, conditions of the early to return. . , mid-1970- t pirJoiriitfy "You can't eat patriotism," he said. "I'll guarantee you that if we don't keep pace with inflation, and pay, our people a decent salary, and allow them to have a retirement that is compatible with what they are doing for the country, we'll lose our most critical resources again. out before didn't because they "People get wanted to. They got out because they had to." He cites the upcoming pay raise as an example. "Air Force members should keep in mind that. at one point this year no military pay raise was planned, but, as a signal of concern, Congress gave the military what it could afford then promised a catch-u- p raise next year," he said. "Follow-throug- h on this promise is critical to avert perception that Congress doesn't care and that there could be a return to the conditions of the 1970s." Retirement system The retirement system is an entitlement CMSAF Parish predicts will undergo changes in the near future. He said strong, signals are being sent to military leaders that changes are inevitable. What Congress is offering military leaders as consolation is an opportunity to contribute to this process, he said. Does CMSAF Parish personally feel that military retirement is so generous that it must be trimmed? Absolutely not. "While it may sound lucrative to retire at half pay. after 20 years' service, it certainly is not," he said. "Consideration first must be given to several uniquely military factors that restrict military members' financial and other opportunities that are afforded our civilian counterparts. Military service means total commitment and sacrifice. "We are taking some of the best people in America and placing sometimes unbelievable demands on them during the best years of their lives," he continued. "The present retirement ,system is, at best, barely adequate compensation for this sacrifice. True, for most Americans 62 to 65 is retirement age. But proper defense of the country requires the vitality and strength of a youthful military. "I may be called on to testify before Congress about military retirement. If I do, I will try to explain to congressional leaders that today's military retirement is not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It's a fair price for continued peace and freedom. "The role I play in this and all enlisted matters is as a credible witness, a single voice for reflecting . enlisted concernstq alljeaderst military. and con: (AFNS) gressional. - . |