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Show nl rnnnn o n o r- - rr o n n m Military complements with external guard by Col. R.R. Semeta AFLC deputy staff judge advocate n the eve of the 31st birth of Law day Day USA, let's take a brief look at the military and the rule of law in our society. Law Day is an important day for everyone. Not so much for lawyers every day is law day for them but more for the rest of the people to recognize and reflect upon the fact that the basis of our "civilization" is the law. The law is our mediator, the pacifier and meter of justice. Without it, the way of life we take for granted would not exist. A wise man once said, "To be born free is a privilege, to die free is an awesome responsibility." The framers of our Constitution recognized this truism as they provided for common defense on the list of national priorities spelled out in the Preamble of the Constitution. The United States and the Soviet Union ire joined in an ideological struggle of epic proportions. Today, as never before in human history, we must be steadfast and hold the line against forces threatening our very existence. Holding the line now is not any easier than it was in ancient times against the barbarian hordes. At stake are the most cherished human aspirations of freedom, liberty and justice. The Soviet-le- d pacts are implacaset on world conquest and desbly of our truction society. Their aims and threats are as vigorous and immoral and as unrelenting as that of the barbarians. To meet this ever-prese- nt threat, we must have a highly disciplined, strong and coherent military power able to withstand any capability to attack. Air Force Logistics Command plays a key role in keeping our combatants ready and able. As Gen. Alfred G. Hansen, AFLC's commander, recently observed: "The capability of our fighting forces has always been dependent on the quality of the logistics received. . ..That's why the challenge for the men and women of AFLC, now more than ever before, is to provide combat strength through logistics." Protecting our way of life takes hard work, dedication and, sometimes, sacrifice. In other words, freedom isn't free! Defending this republic against all enemies is the responsibility of the military. That is a noble task. We in uniform pledge to support the continuing pursuit of liberty and justice in defiance of despots who would, if given a chance, destroy the political, religious and individual freedoms Americans enjoy. As citizens, our first allegiance or loyalty belongs to the United States because this great republic is the spring that nourishes and sustains our way of life. Without it, we would not be able to enjoy the liberties, justice, prosperity and safety it guarantees. Being an American is a blessing. Only a brief look at the international landscape of how people live today makes this obvious. The Constitution sets this great nation on a triad of separation of powers designed to manage authority, preserve liberty and prevent abuses. As Bernard Schwartz, a leading legal scholar, has observed: "The true American contribution to r human progress has not been in . technology, economics or culture, but in the dvelopment of law as a check on power." Struggle for power in other countries calls for regiments of troops, and people suffer as a result. Human life is cheap there, and oppressive regimes and dictators make enjoyment of life, liberty and justice impossible. We Americans are complacent about our Constitution and the importance of the rule of law in our n USAW lav v.7Ton Aor 2yvn ofAmerica states toeen ttse?terj inviuw-"- -' UNI"?- - . f ' 0re. otnei n life. cpt aSUC -: . annua i"--- - raccw fl . ,p WtwsanSBbgSr - coJ--- - society. That's unfortunate because the benefits we enjoy today came about only through the blood, sweat and tears of many. It is important for us to know how this nation of laws has been shaped and molded by evolving concepts of justice, liberty and equity. Consequently, all of us should reflect on the past and gain knowledge and understanding of how these rights and protections came about. Thomas Jefferson once said, "My God! How little do my countrymen know of what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy." This observation rings even truer today. It is a national tragedy of all eligible that nearly one-thir- d Americans are; not .registered to . vote, and more than half do not vote in most elections. Let's reflect during this Law Day on what the Constitution in our society means, what our republic would be like without it and rededi-cat- e ourselves to the responsibilities of good citizenship. Editor's note: Colonel Semeta was the Hill AFB staff judge advocate before his present assignment. Story courtesy of AFLC News Service. -- Liberty calls all to standard of peace, service, justice by Ma. Thomas Wright-Patterso- V. Atzenberger, USAFR AFB, Ohio n L It's a simple word. It's the founda tion of our lives, the battle cry of our soldiers, the inspiration of our pacifists, the promise of our nation and the delight of our existence. The Constitution and its Bill of Rights have been in place more than 200 years. What began as a noble, yet shaky experiment has flourished beyond what many thought possible. We have in our minds the images of the celebrations; the fireworks surrounding the birthday celebration for the Statue of Liberty on July 4, 1986; the photos of children with ice cream and flags, elderly taking their flowers to cemeteries and fresh tears on the feet of war memorials across the country. The personal experiences of liberty that have been in the media, never seen by the nation at large, are perhaps more real for us than any national celebration. Today, Lady Liberty and what she stands for are often taken for granted in our land. We are her heirs, not her contemporaries. We did not have to speculate as to her longevity, or debate the precise language that describes her, or struggle to give her birth. We are glib grandchildren for whom Liberty means ice cream, parades and picnics. For us, she seems permanent and natural; like the sun in the sky, or the breezes that caress our faces. Yet, around the world, those breezes have seen many other governments and many other laws. Every nation throughout history has had laws. But it takes more than law to preserve liberty. It takes laws and governments flexible enough to al low bad laws to be changed. And, while we are blessed with such a flexible government, and a Constitution almost miraculously replete with wisdom, there is even more to liberty even our American liberty. The true moment of liberty is in the human heart, in its capacity to care for its fellow people, its capacity to give, to share, to love. It is not simply love of law that gives a nation like ours its strength. Rather, it is the mandate from the people that gives any nation its current nature, its identity at any point in time. As we remain faithful to the ideals of our Constitution, liberty will flourish and freedom will remain with us. Should we become selfish, insensitive and ignorant, the life breath of freedom will be carried away on the breezes of history. Better's netet Major Atzenberger, a reservist, is an assistant staff judge advocate at his base. Article courtesy of AFLC News Service. Ob Address letters to the editor to: OO-ALCP- A, Tfccnfxo a lot Cor your tiolp 04056-599- 0 I would like to pass on a big "Thank You!" to Physician Assistant request. hospital for his patient, informative and considerate help during my appointment with him. The appointment began exactly on Hill AFB, Utah (OOALCPA Include name by Bits). number. and telephone Name will be withheld by Eugene R. Woodruff of the base time, at 1 p.m. I received the forms needed for the test I requested and then he reviewed the result of a visit I made last May about I cholesterol. His help and advice on changing my diet and activity level was just what I needed to start taking action. He even apologized for any pressure and pain I would experience during the mammogram I was going to take -- even though he really wasn't involved. The only thing he didn't say anything about was one uncomfortable part -- pressing against the metal with my bare, warm skin. It was cold! Marci Mucnch Sandy, Utah |