Presidents founded the freedom we protect

  • Published
  • By Maj. Paul Brown
  • 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander
This week's encompassing Presidents Day was an ideal time to reflect on the liberty we enjoy as citizens of the United States. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are two presidents whose lives we celebrated.

Scholars mark them as the top two presidents and arguably two of the greatest leaders in our nation's distinguished history. For those who have or continue to serve our country in any capacity and have been an integral part to our freedom and liberty, the Presidents' enduring contributions to our country remind and challenge us to strive for continued excellence.

Washington, against dramatic opposition, led our nation's revolutionary Continental Army and ignited the liberty we breathe daily and are sworn to protect. He retired to relative quiet after the war, but returned to oversee the Constitutional Convention and shape our nation, when it was apparent our young democracy was not headed in the right direction.

While he had the popular support to enact virtually any leadership role, he readily exemplified service before self by humbly accepting our nation's first presidency and insisting on departing after only 2 terms, setting today's precedent for term limitation.

Washington embodied our core values in all he did. His reluctance to acquire personal power, but ability to step up and lead when the need was critical are lessons we can take to heart.

Lincoln rose from poverty and, like many in our armed forces, ultimately gave his life in office for his beliefs. One of only a few presidents to actively command troops in battle, his impressive gift of leadership serves as a lasting example to us.

Skilled at knowing and understanding people, steeped in hands on leadership and, seeking opportunities for innovation, he managed success as a civil war president. He ultimately freed the slaves and led congress to abolish slavery through his long and righteous battle to secure liberty for all.

His famous quote that a "house divided against itself can not stand" was the precursor that ultimately held our Union together and set the stage for the free society we enjoy today.

It's unlikely we will achieve Washington or Lincoln's eminence anytime soon. However, each of us is critical to maintaining the freedom and liberty they built. We can learn from Lincoln's hands on leadership during a time of war and Washington's ability to lead humbly, and be guided by integrity in the midst of great personal power ... and act. 

Like the Presidents, we are at a time of change and growth in the Air Force and our world.

Sometimes our path is difficult and decisions we must make may be unpopular, but we can take comfort that the difficult task of freedom they underwent set the stage for our greatness today.

As we use our core values and implement new tools and processes in our 21st century Air Force, we can conquer our difficult tasks and set the stage for "tomorrow's history" by excelling in our role to protect and enhance global freedom and liberty.

Lead on!