Sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Richard Mills
  • 47th Flying Training Wing director of staff
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Having just returned from a deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, I wanted to take a moment to talk about sacrifice. On Jan. 26 2011, I had the privilege of taking part in a ceremony for the dignified transfer of a fallen U.S. Soldier. I was not alone. I stood in formation alongside almost 2,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and military members from six countries. The event was brief, but very moving. The chaplain read a short biography, said a prayer and, with bagpipes playing, the flag-draped casket was carried to the waiting C-17 Globemaster III. The ramp slowly closed behind them as we gave a final salute and then were quietly dismissed.

As I walked back across the ramp, it really hit home how much we are asked to sacrifice to serve our nation, whether at home or abroad. This 19-year-old American hero, of course, had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in an effort to ensure the safety and security of not only his loved ones, but also yours and mine. He gave his life to protect our way of life. In that moment, I felt truly humble and grateful.

While the example above is one of absolute selflessness, as members of the world's greatest Air Force, each one of us are called on to make sacrifices for the greater good. Just take a quick look around Laughlin were there are nearly 100 Airmen deployed year round. We have Airmen who have spent half their career or longer in a combat zone. We have Airmen with a dwell rate that keeps them on the road as much as they are at home. We have Airmen who have packed their bags on extremely short notice to serve as their nation asks.

When these men and women deploy, we have so many others who step up to fill the void they leave behind. The amazing Airmen of the 47th Flying Training Wing successfully execute nearly 300 miracles of flight every day on the backs of our instructors, maintainers and tremendous support agencies. Let's not forget our families and friends who sacrifice right alongside us. They also give so we may do our nation's bidding. Despite the tax on their own lives, our Airmen are still motivated, capable and excited about what tomorrow brings.

That is what separates men and women in uniform from the rest of the pack; the willingness to sacrifice, no matter how much, for a cause greater than their own. Former President John F. Kennedy once said, "Our service men and women are evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth, that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment and great personal sacrifice." At no time is that more apparent than this holiday weekend. As fireworks illuminate the night sky and parades pay tribute to those who have gone before us to ensure the freedom we all enjoy, take a moment to relax and reflect. But, most of all, stand tall, be proud and know that your sacrifice does not go unnoticed.