A Heartfelt Tribute to the U.S. Air Force on its 77th Birthday

Seven has always been my lucky number.

At the age of seven, I was living in the projects of Oakland, California, the only son of a single mother with three other daughters struggling with Huntington's disease, a debilitating condition that ravaged her nervous system, affecting her mind and body. This disease eventually strips away one's ability to walk, talk, and eventually, even care for oneself. Growing up in such circumstances was difficult, but it ignited a fire within me. At that tender age, I set my first goal: to one day have a job, a car, a roof over my head, and enough food to eat—because hunger was a constant companion. I promised myself I would also take care of my mother, whose illness made life even more challenging.

Despite such humble beginnings, I excelled academically as well as in sports and the arts; school was a way to escape the dire conditions within our home and the surrounding impoverished neighborhood.

Entering high school weighing just 68 pounds, I remained steadfast in my resolve. It was around this time that I came across a book that would change my life forever. Enola Gay , the story of Robert Oppenheimer and General Leslie Groves, captivated me. It wasn’t just the tale of war, science, or the atomic bomb; it was the aircraft, the idea of flight, and the boundless possibilities of space that truly stirred my imagination. This newfound passion led me down a path I never could have foreseen—one that took me from the streets of Oakland to the heights of the sky.

Today, as we celebrate the 77th birthday of the United States Air Force, I reflect on the incredible journey that this great institution has taken, and how it shaped my life. From its origins within the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1907, managing "all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines, and kindred subjects," to the monumental milestone on September 18, 1947, when Chief Justice Fred Vinson swore in Stuart Symington as the first Secretary of the Air Force, the USAF has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Just eight days later, General Carl A. Spaatz became the first Chief of Staff of this newly independent branch of the military.

One key figure who championed this separation was Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell. His visionary leadership and foresight were instrumental in proving that airpower could not only support ground and naval forces but could also stand as its own formidable arm of national defense. Mitchell's demonstration of bombing an aircraft carrier—proving the supremacy of airpower in naval warfare—was a pivotal moment that set the stage for the creation of an independent Air Force. His bold advocacy laid the foundation for what would become a global force of innovation, precision, and strength.

The history of the U.S. Air Force is replete with moments that redefined military strategy and technology. From World War II, where the Army Air Forces played a crucial role, to the Cold War era, and the subsequent creation of Air Force Space Command in 1982 to oversee military operations in space, the Air Force has always been at the cutting edge of innovation. It continues to evolve, as seen with the formation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019, a natural extension of the Air Force’s pioneering work in space defense and exploration.

At 17 years old I joined the U.S. Air Force. It was, without question, the best decision of my life. I received advanced training in electronics, communications, and computer systems for the E-3 AWACS aircraft, and later, I was awarded a Presidential appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where I learned to fly. I studied electrical engineering and management and built relationships that remain strong to this day. My journey in the Air Force also took me across the globe, working with brilliant minds in government, the military, and business consulting with IBM and Ernst & Young, among others.

But perhaps the most meaningful gift the Air Force gave me was the ability to honor the promise I made as a seven-year-old. After years of hard work, I was able to provide an apartment for my mother in San Francisco, just blocks away from where I lived in North Beach, two blocks from Fisherman's Wharf. Despite the relentless progression of her Huntington's disease, her spirits remained high. She was proud—proud of the man I had become, proud of the life I had built, and proud of this country that is a perpetual work in progress.

Today, as I reflect on the U.S. Air Force’s 77 years of excellence, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunities it gave me, the training it provided, the people I met, and the life I was able to build. But most importantly, I am grateful for the values it instilled in me: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

To the men and women who serve and have served in the U.S. Air Force, thank you. You have devoted part of your lives to protecting this great nation, and in doing so, you’ve also invested in the futures of countless individuals like myself. Your sacrifice, dedication, and service are what make this nation strong, and I am eternally grateful to be a part of this extraordinary legacy.

Fly, Fight, Win. Happy 77th Birthday, U.S. Air Force!