Being an Airman requires passion, sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Today we have some of the best and brightest Airmen our force has ever seen. America sends us her sons and daughters, demanding we cultivate, develop, grow and care for them. She sends them to us because she knows we will provide an environment that allows every individual an opportunity to grow and reach their full potential. 

Their  road to becoming an airman begins at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. In fact, I'd argue that they are the best at what they do because we lay a solid foundation at Lackland AFB. 

We have some of the best training instructors to ever walk the grounds at Lackland, preparing our Airmen for the future. They march them around the base for weeks, teaching them the basic tenants of Airmenship to include, our core values, teamwork and sometimes while not allowing them enough time to eat. To this very day some of us still can't figure out why, but believe me when I say, "everything they're teaching our Airmen has its purpose. 

I recently had the privilege of returning to Lackland...man, what memories emerged. During my visit I had the opportunity to attend a parade and a culminating ceremony of warrior week. If you haven't had the opportunity to go back and visit I highly encourage you to do so. 

Like most attendees, I sat in the stands gazing in awe at hundreds of trainees; exhausted, dirty, their face covered in smoot, and yet, standing at parade rest radiating with pride and passion beyond belief. I watched as joy came over their faces when the instructors presented their coins, and for the first time since arriving at basic training, they were referred to as Airmen. 

Afterwards, we were invited to go down and congratulate them on their accomplishment. I rose from my seat bursting with pride and as each step brought me closer. I noticed the tears of joy streaming from some of their eyes, while others bottom lip quivered as they tried so desperately to fight back the tears. 

Right then I realized at that very moment they get it! Standing there proud, passion engulfed their eyes, chest filled with pride and tears trickling slowly from their eyes. They understood the sacrifices, commitment, responsibilities and the demands that come with being an Airman. The same commitment and sacrifices their nation demands of them now. 

And yet, somewhere between Basic Military Training, tech school, recruiter assistance, First Term Airmen Center and their first duty station, some lose it, not all but far too many. Where do we go wrong...not leading by example? Are you the one meeting them at the gate upon their arrival and saying to our impressionable Airmen, "Hi I'm Jeff or Jane, you don't have to call me sir or ma'am." 

When we meet our Airmen for the first time we must reinforce our core values, set the table for our expectations and demand the very best from them. I don't know of an Airman that has changed our Air Force; however, I know others that have made concessions for them, then turn around and say, "they don't make Airmen like they use to." No they don't...they make them better! 

My success didn't begin until I realized I wasn't in the Air Force but the Air Force was in me...is it in you? If so, I guarantee it will reflect in your Airmen.