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Sacrifice, the heart of a Core Value
Posted 7/2/2012 Updated 7/2/2012
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Commentary by Tech. Sgt. Mike Andriacco
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/2/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- We've all learned the core values of the U.S. Air Force and repeated them throughout our career; integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.
All of these values have something at their heart which military servicemen and women understand so very well, sacrifice.
Every year around Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans' Day, I see the same thing over and over; people lining up to purchase everything from mattresses to barbecue grills, schools and businesses shutting down for the day, and a big increase in military discounts offered by retailers.
While the gestures are appreciated and show the public cares about our profession, they lack the intimate peek into our mission that we ourselves are lucky enough to enjoy and are honored to perform.
During these patriotic holidays, some true patriots are living the core values and sacrificing a lot to bring honor to their uniform.
Around the Air Force, security forces will continue to stand guard so their fellow Airmen may enjoy some much-deserved rest from a constant mission and feel secure while doing it. The command post will be manned, ready to provide command and control if the worst should happen. Firefighters will be waiting, just in case someone's new, heavily discounted grill malfunctions. Countless Airmen will be on call, watching their friends enjoy themselves while they wait to see if they are needed. The base never completely rests.
Yes, these Airmen will sacrifice, and they will do it not just for American civilians, but for us, their fellow Airmen. They repeatedly embody integrity, service and excellence.
I often say that I have the best job in the Air Force, but most Airmen I've met would say the same about theirs. I am lucky enough to see most of the overall mission and how we each play a role as I photograph and interview my fellow Airmen.
I have met some of the best and brightest, and am in constant awe that someone, a decade my junior, has the discipline, training and confidence to ensure a 62-year-old aircraft operates, and operates well. It reminds me that we each have a role in our mission and while every person's part is different, we share in the sacrifice to make it happen and that makes it ours.
Citizens outside our gates often thank someone in uniform for their service, but how often do we thank each other for our part? That maintainer cannot perform his mission without the part provided by the logistician. The operator cannot fly his aircraft until he's cleared by the doctor. And the Airmen, whose mission touches us all, cannot work without food provided at the dining facility, especially when they only have a few minutes to eat because the mission won't wait.
So let me be the first to say, on behalf of my family and I, thank you for your sacrifice. Pass it on.
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