Legislation in action

  • Published
  • By Col. Mark Dillon
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  During January, the focus of this commentary has been our nation's founding documents. As such, the focus this week is on the U.S. Bill of Rights. The enormous magnitude of this great document is illustrated in the actions of some members of Team Travis who exercise their Constitutional rights - Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 1320. What an outstanding organization! I was honored to participate in our chapter's annual banquet Jan. 16, and was inspired by the professional military association's dedication to benefit the greater good. For all our AFSA Chapter 1320 members, your affiliation is a powerful, respected and deliberate way to use our legislative branch of government to improve the quality of life for past, present and future American Airmen. 

With our legislature making hundreds of decisions annually regarding the well-being of our military personnel (e.g., pay, healthcare, benefits), it is comforting to know AFSA and other military support organizations are working on with our elected representatives on Capitol Hill to exercise our Constitution's first amendment right "to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." In fact, this ability to initiate and/or change the manner in which we are governed is one of the rights afforded in the U.S. Bill of Rights. 

Introduced two years after the U.S. Constitution was adopted, the Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to our nation's supreme law. These statements supplemented the original Constitution to clarify and protect the basic principles of human liberty for which this great nation was founded. In doing so, the Bill of Rights has become the foundation of American law and government, and symbolizes our freedom and way of life. In the 220 years since the Bill of Rights was introduced, 17 additional amendments have been made to the Constitution. Our "living" Constitution outlines the American government's ability to adapt to meet the needs of its citizens, and thus, serve as a model democracy for nations around the world. This would not be possible without the preparation and foresight of our founding fathers. 

In the words of President Abraham Lincoln, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Despite the high ops tempo of our mobility mission many of you have "moved to the sounds of the guns" and are part of professional organizations like AFSA. I applaud you for your dedication to our profession and efforts to safeguard our well-deserved benefits. Well done AFSA Chapter 1320 and keep up the great work exercising your Constitutional rights.