Why We Serve

Roll Call

Airmen: Winning the Fight. Strengthening the Team. Shaping the Future.

June 2014

Why We Serve

Roll Call! We’ve all done it, some more than once. We’ve raised our right hand and repeated the oath to solemnly

swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is a humbling oath, a thoughtful and serious

promise to take on the sobering duty to protect our freedoms.

The motivation behind our first oath is often different. Many initially raise their right hand for the opportunities

that come with service in our military - great young men and women looking to further their education goals, for

direction and purpose in life, or financial stability. For others it could be family tradition or the thrill of a new

challenge. The reasons vary greatly, and none are wrong.

There is no bad reason to join our Air Force.

For each of us, at some point in our service, that reason must evolve. We must grow to understand that service is

about more than direction, pay or education. It is about protecting American ideals, embracing the responsibility

that comes with freedom, and strengthening our country through an unbreakable bond with the comrades who

serve by our side. We share a commitment to do and be more, a commitment that only those who have served can

fully understand and appreciate.

When proud veterans recall their service – however short, or long ago it may have been – they never recall the

tangible benefits. They cherish the intangible benefits – pride, service, duty and honor – and stand taller knowing

they did their part to serve their country.

It is a privilege to be an Airman, and an honor to defend our nation. We can never forget that.

As you gather with your team this month, talk about why you serve. What drives you to put on our uniform?

What pushes you to serve your country? What motivates you to win the fight, strengthen the team, and shape

the future? This month we will begin to tell thousands of great...