An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 3, 2014.The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

Commentaries

Airman's Creed: Affirming our commitments

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Madeline Reid
  • 919th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  How many people know the Airman's Creed by heart? How many times have we even heard it in our lives here at Duke Field? Do we know how powerful the creed is to our new Airmen?

When it first came out, many Airmen thought it was just another change that would go by the wayside. But once you really read and reach for the meaning of the creed, you know it is here to stay.

"I am an American Airman
I am a Warrior
I have answered my Nation's Call"

The first verse states it well -- what we are and how proud we are of our chosen service. We are Airmen and we are proud to proclaim that we are America's Airmen. Every day we have proven ourselves to our sister services and to our international brethren with our commitment to our country,

"I am an American Airman.
My mission is to fly, fight, and win
I am faithful to a proud heritage,
A tradition of Honor
And a Legacy of Valor"

Look at our own mission at Duke Field; look at what we have accomplished, not just for special operations but for the Air Force. Look at the 919th SOW's heritage; it is very proud, filled with traditions of honor from our various Silver Star winners to our Department of Defense Fireman of the Year. Look at the valor of our own force, with those who made the Air Force Chief of Staff's "Portraits of Courage" to the person who put his own life in jeopardy to save another on our own highways.

"I am an American Airman.
Guardian of Freedom and Justice
My Nation's sword and shield
Its sentry and avenger
I Defend my country with my life"

Look at where we have gone on past and present deployments, and look at where we are going for our future deployments and missions. We have proven ourselves over and over, with the standup of our Predator unit at Nellis Air Force Base. We are, as they say, "at the tip of the spear" and we will continue to be there at all times, 24/7, for our nation.

"I am an American Airman:
Wingman, Leader, Warrior
I will never leave an Airman Behind,
I will never falter,
And I will not fail."

What a powerful statement that last verse is to our new Airman, knowing that we as a force will mentor, lead, and defend them.

The Airman's Creed is a statement to John Q. Public that we as a force of Airmen have affirmed our commitment to our service, our country and to our fellow Airman. True to our commitment to the profession of arms, we allow our country and its citizens to live a life under a blanket of freedom, established by the Constitution that we choose, support and defend. It is this mission that we will never allow to falter, and we will never fail.