Wear 'Airman' title proudly

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Bibby
  • Recruiting Service Manager, Air Force Reserve Command
DENVER --  As I write this I am in the process of my PCS and getting ready to depart for Georgia. Every day I try not to leave work without thanking someone for their work. Please, allow me to say I have been honored to serve with you all. ARPC is an awesome place to work, and you Airmen are the most professional wingmen to active and Reserve forces around the globe! Be proud of what you do.

I recently had the chance to talk about character during a Top 3 lunch and would like to restate some of what I talked about. 

I said the perseverance of your values defines your character. No one can determine what situations we will be placed in, but we can determine our reaction to those situations. It is our character that tells us how to respond. 

Since the day each of us entered the Air Force, we have been presented with the core values and creeds as a method of developing Airman character, knowing we will turn to them during tough times. General Moseley recently presented a test and new creed for Airmen to consider and embrace. 

Have you taken the test? Question two opens the creed up for use by more than the active-duty Airman; it includes Guardsmen, Reserve forces and our Air Force civilians. Break it down and think about what is means. Words like "defend," "warfighting," "win," and "heritage" on the test stood out to me. The test gave me a clear picture of where the Air Force is heading, what the mission is, and how we will continue to proudly serve our nation. 

Have you reviewed the Airman's Creed? I have posted the creed by my desk. What is most prominent to me is that each statement starts with who "I am." "I am an American Airman." It's not just a sentence; it's who we are and what we represent. It is a title we have earned the right to be called "Airmen." Being able to call myself an American Airman is a privilege, with much responsibility that I will not take lightly. Make it your desire to serve our nation with selfless conviction and pride for our chosen profession. 

I love quotes - they motivate and move you - let me close with a few that I have found encouraging. 
"You Miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky - Hockey Legend. "

Carpe Diem. Seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary." Robin Williams as Mr. Keating in "Dead Poets Society." 

My favorite, by my mom, "The last four letters in American spell 'I can'; not 'I can't.'" Enjoy today - because today, we get to serve in the Air Force.