Why I served

A few days ago, on the 53rd anniversary of my becoming a member of the most powerful fighting force in the world, I took a few moments to reminisce about the life that I was blessed with. For some five decades, people asked me why I served. It was always THE PEOPLE! There are a few things about which I'm absolutely sure. One of them is that the Air Force is made up of the very best people in the world! Now, my Army, Marine, Coast Guard, and Navy brothers and sisters would probably argue with me, as well they should. The Space Force isn't old enough to give me any guff. I've only been an Airman, so I can only speak from that paradigm, although, as I said for many decades, all our services begin with "US." US Marines, US Air Force, US Navy, US Army, US Coast Guard, and US Space Force. It's always been about US protecting our country. Together!

As I looked at the many mementos I have displayed all over my home, I relived my military life as I recalled who took that picture, who gave me that memento or that coin, who I was serving with when I was presented that Chief bust. I was brought up under the principle that if you take care of the people, they'll take care of the mission.

That's another thing about which I'm absolutely sure. What’s happened, in truth, is that as l've taken care of people, they've taken care of me, and together, we've taken care of the mission, we've protected our country.

I joined the Air Force to avoid being drafted. Not that I had anything against the Army. I say "Hooah!" pretty well. But green just isn't my color. For those too young to know what the draft was, it was a process by which those who had never won a lottery, a door prize, or a raffle, were given the opportunity to win a free trip across the Pacific to a tropical paradise. Hey, that's what the letter from President Richard Nixon said! I joined the Air Force because of the draft. I stayed because of the people.

Throughout my military life, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve with truly great leaders, colleagues, and followers. I was mentored by people who had a much more expansive experience than I. I had friends who shared different perspectives on how to lead. And I led young troops who educated me much more than they realized. I thank God every day for all those blessings, for all those people, who helped make me who I am.

As I looked around my study, I noticed a plaque made for me by some young Airmen for whom I have the highest respect. That piece of art puts everything in the proper perspective. It quotes an old warrior who loved what he did every day of his military life. That quote will echo in that warrior's heart for as long as he lives. It reads, "Isn't this a GREAT day to be an American Warrior?!" I’m proud to have served. And I’d do it all again given the opportunity.

?HEIRPOWER!

bob vásquez!