Why do we choose the Air Force? Published May 21, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Dale Patterson 60th Maintenance Group superintendant TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Often times I look at people to try and figure out why we "do" this thing called the Air Force? Our reasons are as varied as our Air Force members themselves. For some, it was for the educational opportunities. For others it was the desire to go and see places they never would have, if having not left home and some may have chosen to join the Air Force for a job or because they were patriotic. All of these reasons are personal for the member in the beginnings of their Air Force adventure, but what makes them a career Airman? Their reasons are truly amazing. Over my 27-year career, here are a few reasons, in no particular order worth listing. One might think it's for the money, but very few Air Force members reenlist due the "vast" pay. Let's examine a staff sergeant's salary. The Jan. 1, 2008 pay scale shows a monthly basic pay at $2,247. When I enlisted (1981), the pay for the same TIS was $870. In Oct. 1, 1949, that same pay was a whopping $154. While the value of the dollar was significantly greater in 1949 versus 2008, it was a little bit of money then and it's still just a little bit of money now. Broken down, today's basic pay is $27,000 annually and based on a 40 hour work week, our staff sergeants make $13 per hour. In 1949, it was less than a $1 per hour. My point is our Airman "Warriors" are probably not reenlisting for the money. I offer, they do so because they truly believe in what they do and are proud of their contribution to making the mission happen. I also believe they feel connected with a sense of camaraderie and "family" togetherness. It only takes an event such as losing a loved one, or a debilitating illness or injury for our Airmen to see how compassionate our Air Force family is and how we take care of each other. I contend these reasons, and many others, overshadow the pay. Whatever your reasons are, they are your reasons, and your leadership appreciates you being part of our ever-changing Air Force. The next few years will be challenging for sure, what with a shrinking budget, PBD720 manpower cuts, and off the chart ops tempo, but our Air Force "Warriors" will adjust and will remain the best air and space force in the world. When you put on your uniform every day, an average of 1,040 times for a four-year enlistment, 5,200 times for a 20-year career and 7,800 for 30 years of service, please think of those that went before you, either at $13 per hour or $1 per hour. The bottom line is that, they, like you are patriots and America owes you her heartfelt gratitude. So be proud of your accomplishments and your contributions to our Air Force and winning this Global War on Terrorism. Thank you for your service, and may God bless you and your families.