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Show Page2A June 27, 1996 Fighter Country Independence began with 13 colonies By Janie Air Force Santos News Agency Bells will be ringing across the nation this July Fourth at thousands of churches and bell towers. The bells will peal 13 times for the 13 original colonies. The bells will ring as we celebrate Independence Day, for freedom ... for democracy ... for the high ideals and for values of our founding fathers. In a daring declaration to "form a more perfect union" 220 years ago, the 13 colonies declared themselves independent from British rule. America's settlers valued freedom and liberty as most were escaping some type of persecution, whether it was a chance to escape a rigid class system, or to worship freely. The Declaration of Independence affirmed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as inalienable rights. And later, our Constitution specified freedoms of speech, religion and the press as fundamental to America. Those 56 patriots, whose signatures on that declaration promised a death sentence, valued democracy. They undertook a bold vision and blazed a trail that changed not only our destiny, but the destiny of the world. AmeriIt's just plain and simple cans must work hard to protect their freedoms. We in the Air Force understand the sacrifices of upholding democracy. increase in There has been a four-fol- d contingency operations since the end of the Cold War. And it affects the total force the active-dutReserve, Guard and civilians. Our forces are preserving peace in ways that aren't conventional bringing a smile to the face of a Rwandan child when given a cup of clean water, or lifting however slightly the despair of Bosnian women who can market without the fear of sniper attacks, or allowing an elderly Haitian man to vote for the candidate of his choice for the first time in is increasingly important in the dynamic geopolitical conditions of today. Without quality people, the mission cannot succeed. The Air Force is engaged daily in challenging, tough missions throughout the world, and we continue to need quality people. People who follow the Air Force core values of integrity first ... service before self... and excellence in all we do. Integrity is essential. It's the inner voice. It's doing the right thing all the time even when nobody's looking. It's standing up for fairness and honesty in a world often characterized by a "me-firs-t" attitude. Integrity is not always easy to practice. It's a tough and demanding challenge, because so many situations come in shades of gray. Service before self means placing the needs of the many over the needs of the individual. This is particularly important for those of us who have volunteered to serve in our nation's armed forces. Recipients of the Medal of Honor are perfect examples of what normal people can do when they place service before self. Excellence in all we do is the difference between simply getting by and striving for perfection. It's the personal his life. No nation values the lives of its service members more than the United States. From World War U to Desert Storm and now in Bosnia, Air Force leaders strive to gain control of the air and create advantages for all of our forces. In other words, airpower serves the nation and the theater commander. Airpower gives our national command authorities an immense range of options, many ways to do what's necessary in unforeseen circumstances. This advantage 'aiSS -- ) ' VM M Oiling satisfaction and thrill of performing at the peak of your abilities. If you live your life with a passion for excellence you can reshape the world. Originally intended for use at the Air Force Academy, Air Force or leadership realized these core values apply not just to college-ag- e cadets, but to everyone in the Air Force. These core values are applicable to all Americans, and epitomize the values of our founding fathers. They had the integrity to standing up for what they believed in and break away from British rule. They put their service to the people above their own lives in forming a new nation. They strove for excellence in developing a Constitution to protect the freedoms and liberties they so cherished. Our challenge is to uphold those same values. We must ensure the United States and other democracies around the globe continue to flourish continue the to provide a democratic experiment safer world for ourselves, our children and our children's children. Skilled and motivated people, working together, both in and out of government, can triumph. The Air Force is up to the challenge. Pins fall for charity J.C. By SSgt Woodring Editor, Fighter Country j 1 ' I l"' - - ems i laT, .jTBX: I WrS3UMM ., . sa WWft'l - BSSiV.V.Yi' on , Photo by Ana Sara Banda Rodriguez Michael A. Yates, 388th Maintenance Squadron B team, steps into his swing. Several teams from the 388th Fighter Wing are competing in the intramural Softball league. Head on out and support the squadron team after work. SrA. Fighter Country I I J Q D V ITS Published for people like... SSgt Bryon Beers 388th Fighter Wing Historian The pins will fall at the base bowling center July 10 when members of the 388th Fighter Wing hit the lanes to raise funds for the wing's enduring a bowl-a-thlisted recognition programs. This is the only event the wing has to raise money for all of the year's events. Members of the wing are collecting pledges either by the pin or a one time donation. According to CMSgt Mike Pattarozzi, 388th FW senior enlisted advisor, the money raised will be used to support our annual and quarterly award recognition programs, Thanksgiving dinner in the dorms, a children's Christmas party at the Trading Post, and to supplement the Diamond One truck during exercises. The bowlers are ready to do men part for the wing. "I'm not a great bowler, but the cause is worth it and I'm happy to help out," said TSgt Tony Hernandez, who is already working on his second page of pledges. "It supports a great program to reward and recognize people in the wing." Hernandez, who works in the 388th Operations Support Squadron Orderly Room, says he's ready to raise some cash for the upcoming events. "Anyone who can't find someone to sponsor can come see me. I'll be more than happy to sign them up," the NCO said with a grin. Last year, we had a lot of fun and still raised more than $2,200, and according to Pattarozzi, "We're looking to do better this year." To encourage people to participate, the wing is offering incentives for those bowling. Awards will be given to people who raise the most pledges, the bowler with the highest and lowest three-gaseries, and to the unit that raises the most pledges. Fighter Country is a supplement to the HilRop Times, published by MorMedia. Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the Ogden ALC Public Affairs Office. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper Is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of Fighter Country are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department ofthe Air Force. Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are U.S. Air Force photos. Fighter Country is edited, prepared and provided by the 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office. Submit editorial copy to: 388 FW7PA (Bldg. 120. Suite 113). For more information, call the public affairs office at 777-320- 0. me Fighter Country Editorial Staff Cot Benttey Rayburn . Capt John D. Smtth SSgt James A Rush . SSgt J.C. Woodring. Amn. Sara Bands Rodriguez Wynne Rasmussen Commander. 388th FW Chief. PubfcAffaka NCOIC, . - Editor. Pubfc Main Fighter County Staff writer . InternStaff writer |