Warrior Airman

When I enlisted in the US Army back in 1980 (yes, June 17 will make 30 years since my enlistment), the Armed Forces had been a volunteer fighting force for a mere 7 years and it showed. Morale was low and esprit de corps was even lower. Looking back now, I wonder if the pain of the Vietnam conflict, only 5 years over by then, manifested itself in a fighting force with a self-esteem problem. Maybe it was only found in the US Army and then only where I was trained and stationed. But, then again, I don't think so.

Since then, the US Armed Forces have celebrated many victories and now even though the main stream media often struggles to do so, citizens and corporations are celebrating our warriors. It now seems more "cool" to be courageous and perfectly appropriate to be a patriot. This is what I witnessed as our son Lewis graduated from Basic Military Training in Lackland AFB, TX this past weekend. The picture is of him and his friend Sam Dixon in front of the Alamo.

One of the most stirring (and emotional) moments was the coin ceremony. This is where the trainee receives a commemorative Air Force coin from his/her Training Instructor. It is at this moment that each recipient transitions from a trainee to an airman. Then, in unison, these 700 plus recipients recite the Airman's creed:

I am an American Airman.

I am a warrior.
I have answered my nation's call.

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.

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.

I am an American Airman;
Wingman, leader, warrior.
I will never leave an airman behind,
I will never falter,

And I will not fail.

These last words were shouted with such vehemence, such force, such conviction, I had to choke back the tears - not just for my son and the pride that welled up within me for him, but in thanksgiving to God for men and women like these who demonstrate in their actions, words, and focus this John 15:13 principle, that "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

In God we trust and to Him I give thanks for those willing to lay down their lives so that we may be free to worship the One true God - Father, Son, and Spirit.

Comments

Anonymous said…
WOW - that IS powerful! I was teary just reading about it. I'm thankful to be an American. I'm also very proud of Lewis ans so many others who willingly fight for our people.

Kim
March 8, 2010 at 4:49 PM
Anonymous said…
WOW - that IS powerful! I was teary just reading about it. I'm thankful to be an American. I'm also very proud of Lewis ans so many others who willingly fight for our people.

Kim
March 8, 2010 at 4:49 PM
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