Our Core Values

  • Published
  • By Special Agent Joshua Hannan
  • Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 303
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BACE,Calif. --  Several years ago, I stopped at a transition point on my way to Kirkuk, Iraq. While I was there, I learned an improvised explosive device had killed Special Agents Ryan Balmer and Matthew Kuglics during an off-base mission. It was June 5, 2007, and the unit to which I was deploying, had just lost one third of its personnel. A couple of days later, we arrived and encountered the worst-case scenario from our pre-deployment training, but the agents at Kirkuk highlighted our Air Force Core Values during the following weeks.

Excellence in All We Do. The agents and linguists who were there when Matt and Ryan were killed did everything they could, but their injuries were too severe.

After the attack, they were shaken. They went through the grieving process and dealt with the many issues that follow something like this. They did so while providing security at the scene following the explosion, when returning possessions to Matt and Ryan's families and upon returning to duty at their bases following their tour. Each one of them did their very best despite their pain. As a leader, I could not have asked for more from them.

Service before Self. The commander went through the same emotional and mental trials of anyone who has lost someone under his or her command. He led our unit back to being fully mission capable with unquestionable caring and determination. Through it all, he made it clear he was there for the agents who were hurting. He would gather them together and tell them how he felt or take them aside individually for short talks. I do not know what was said, but I know it helped them and him. He worked incredibly long hours to honor the fallen and help heal those left behind. He continues to stay in touch with all of us.

Integrity First. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations investigates all deaths affecting Air Force personnel. Can you imagine how difficult it was to investigate the death of two people from your own unit? I cannot and probably will not ever understand how difficult it must have been for them. It is never easy for an agent or the families we talk to. Often, when we talk to people in our cases, we get a one-sided story. Through it all, they were objective and honest about what they saw and did during the attack. Each of those agents said very little about what they did; they did not remember it all and they told us that. They distinctly remembered what others did and though it was painful to discuss, they told us.

Never before had I witnessed the importance of the core values in such a way. If the agents assigned to the unit had not epitomized each of those values, we would have been unable to recover and continue with the mission.

We have heard it said before, but I cannot stress enough the importance of the core values in our everyday lives. Honestly giving everything you can to accomplish your job is what makes you part of the greatest team in the world. I have been proud of what we do as an Air Force for more than 20 years, and I hope you are as proud of it as I am.