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Show HILLTOP TIMES 8 TIMES May 3, 2007 Airmen's editorial Continued from 2 cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force's recent rededication to the enduring warrior ethos and shared Warrior Virtues. All are reflected in the Chief's Vector, as well as the accompanying Airman's Creed. Its words are as simple as they are profound. Only the Air Force can claim that it is the nation's sword, shield, sentry and avenger-all at the same time. Airmen are the guardians who patrol the skies over our cities and maintain an ever-vigilant overwatch over both foe and friend They are the air bridge to provide humanitarian assistance around the globe--and supply, support, and evacuate our ground warriors. Airmen are the top cover.for troops in contact in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, just like in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Airmen fly into danger to deliver death and destruction to those who would do us and our allies harm. Only Airmen are at once—warriors, wingmen and leaders. And only Airmen truly never leave a comrade behind: combat search and rescue is a sacred duty for Airmen and the motto "so others might live" is taken quite literally by those who fly Vietnamera rescue helicopters into places the devil himself doesn't dare to tread, to pick up downed warriors—United States and allied, army, navy, marines and air force. In publishing the new Vector and Creed, the U.S. Air Force leadership aims at both internal and external audiences—that is, Airmen and the American people. Internally, the intent is to enhance cohesion, to ensure Airmen everywhere recommit themselves to a single purpose as America's winged defenders: "fly, fight, win". The Vector also reflects the leadership's recognition that, over the years, the Air Force has become so technologically proficient that it grew into a patchwork of functional communities, living in highly specialized, distinct technical disciplines. Hence a concerted effort to refocus the service on a common touchstone--the profession of arms, with its distinct values and ethos. Hence the emphasis on what being an Airman means at the core, foundational level: a warrior, wingman and leader—first and foremost. Professional specialties and operational systems are merely the instruments through which these core values are actualized. The shared, unifying mission is as simple as it is profound: fly, fight, win—defend America "with my life". Concurrently, the new Vector and Creed unabashedly aim to reconnect America to its Airmen, reminding the public that those who wear Air Force blue are proud members of the profession of arms—the few who have answered the Nation's call to service and sacrifice. Airmen are heirs to the same glorious tradition of.honor, valor and devotion that unifies Warriors across centuries and warfighting domains. Airmen fly, fight, and win in air, space and cyberspace—that is what they do. More importantly, that is who they are. At this intersection of history and destiny, with human lives in the balance, the Nation could ask no more—and no less—from its youngest Service. The creed published April 18 is the creed for all Airmen, for all time. It links the Air Force's glorious heritage to its boundless horizon. As the Air Force flys and fights around the globe in the defining struggle of our generation, prepares for tomorrow's uncertainties, and pleads for attention in the halls of Congress, one thing has definitely changed. Anywhere one finds the Air Force, one will find wingmen, leaders and warriors. One will find Airmen. Dr. Lani Kass is a Professor of Military Strategy at the National War College, currently on sabbatical as special assistant to the Chief of Staff, USAF, These views are her own and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force, or the National Defense University. BEDROOM SETS MORE Military , Discounts, PRICES ALWAYS tion, and forward thinking. They left us an institutional belief in leading by example, from the front, and as^ We are a nation at war. As suming the full measure of a service, we've been in conrisk and responsibility. The tinuous combat for over 16 left us a heritage of valor, years. The strain is taking a honor, service and toll on our people sacrifice. This legand our equipacy-the contrails ment, yet Airam an American Airman, they left behindmen persevere, lama Warrior defines who we going above and I have answered my '' are, shapes what beyond the call of we do, and sets duty every hour nation's call the vector for our of every day. We future. We stand have answered I am an American Airman on the shoulders of the nation's call to defend America, My mission is to fly, fight, and giants. its interests and Since becoming win. • : ideals. Chief a year and / am faithful to a proud heritage, a half ago, one of As Airmen, we a tradition of honor my top priorities have a unique has been to reinwarfighting perand a legacy of valor vigorate the warspective, shaped rior ethos in every by a century-old Airman of our ToI am an American Airman, quest to gain the high ground. guardian of freedom and justice, -., tal Force. To me, our warrior ethos The association my nation's sword and shield, is the warfightingbetween Air focused culture, its sentry and avenger. Force and flyconviction, characing is universal, I defend my country with my life. ter, ethic, mindset, inherent and spirit and soul we undeniable. Yet, foster in all AirI am an American Airman: over the years we men. It's the pride have become so wingman, leader, warrior. in our heritage, the technically proI will never leave an Airman ; recognition that ficient and speour nation depends cialized that we behind, on us to dominate have sometimes I will never falter, air, space and cydrifted from our and I will not fail berspace, and our core essence and willing acceptance let our functions — Airman's Creed of the burden of override our misthose immense sion-focus and responsibilities. We're warfighting orientation. heroic visionaries and pracWe must never forget that titioners-such as Mitchell, duty-bound to imbue our our Air Force isn't just a Arnold, Chennault, Doolit- newest Airmen with these conglomeration of diverse tle, LeMay, and Schriever- warrior virtues during baspecialties, skill sets, or jobs. Ours is the profession who charged us to believe sic training and foster them in and advocate the value throughout every Airman's of arms. We are Airmen of air power for the nation. career.... warriors-dedicated to flyThey left us a spirit that Read the next two items ing, fighting, and winning. and consider them very fosters initiative, innovacarefully. The first part is a short "test'' I want you to take. I know most Airmen will vim ' * \ r I agree wholeheartedly with these statements about our mission and direction. But if you aren't in formation, get in position immediately. I need everyone in SALE THIS WEEK our Total Force on a single Tables were $2,499 line-up card, thinking and acting with one mind, committed to and guided by these fundamental beliefs. The new Airman's Creed will replace all existing Air Force-related creeds. . Its All Tables Feature: memorable and hard-hitSolid Hardwood -Antique Finish • Lifetime*Warranty ting lines articulate these Free Accessory Kit fundamental beliefs and A Great Value. capture the essence of our All ot our pool tables have a gorgeous hand-rubbed antique finish with the besl price guarantee. warfighting ethos. As Airmen, we wage and Open Mon.-Sat. 10-6 win our nation's wars, all the while fulfilling invalu801.774.6800 BILLIARDEX able and unique roles and www.BilliardEX.com missions in peace, crisis and war. As Airmen, we 5376 South Freeway Park Drive • Riverdale North of HAFB Museum build on our rich combat heritage while reaching toward an infinite horizon. And, as Airmen, we fly, fight, and win. Don't you ever forget it! BY GEN. T. MICHAEL MOSELEY U.S, Air Force Chief of Staff As the youngest of America's five services, our battle traditions are just a hundred years old. Nevertheless, we are heirs to a proud heritage. The Airman warrior tradition was built by INTPYDURi TAXREFUNDI MATTRESS STYLES LOWER CSAF's note to Airmen Warriors TLE LAYTON 756 North Main 593-0322 www. KmgntsTurnitureoniine. com THE PRICE OF FREEDOM A MusJcil Pnitntfthti telling At story of wld/en who foaght in WWJl • • • • atul ifa hmiliet they leH behind. 2007 Relay For Life Kick-off Event Saturday, May 5th 10am-6pm Join Layton Hills Mail and representatives from various Relay For Life teams for an American Cancer Society fund-raiser. T ( RELAY FOR LIFE • Donation Drop Offs • Giveaways • Goodies for Sale • Luminaries Rebecca Cressman from FM100 will be on site from 10 am -1 pm with the FM100 Prize wheel. And, Melina's Fine Mexican Restaurant will be giving away a weekend getaway for one lucky donatorl One Day Only! Saturday, May 12th' @|he Ogden Amphitheater Enter to Win Pjc-Show starts at 7:00 PM . Show starts at 7:30 PM a set of six tickets to Lagoon Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: Fill thb fonn oul and drop Hcffinthv center court •ntry box on May 5th iwhwwi 10 am and 6 pm. Winnmr will b# drawn and notified on May 6th. Visit our Food Gallery for. UrroN HILLS A\ A L L Located just off I-15 exit #331 • 801-546-3471 • uwjw.shoplaytDnhiils.com • Chick-fil-A • Sbarros • Charley's Steakery and more... For licltels, call (801) 386 5102 or {801)773 1561 or visit our websile www.heronighl.com $ 12 in advance SI5 at the door Presented u a fbtidftittr for Operation fterc High: Editor's note: In reference to the Airman's Creed Chief Master Sgt. William Gurney, 75th Air Base Wing command chief said, "I think it cuts to the very core of what it really means to be an Airman Warrior, The words transcend time and capture the spirit of those who came before us; those flying, fighting and winning today regardless of specialty; and those not yet born who will carry on the great Airman warrior tradition in the future." Weddings, ANNIVERSARIES & Birthdays Sunday in Standard-Examiner |