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AIR FORCE CORE VALUES

CHIEF SHARES VIEWS ON CORE VALUES

"To the men and women of the United States Air Force, I would like to share my thoughts on our core values and how important they are in all aspects of our lives. Our core values -- integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do -- set the common standard for conduct across the Air Force. These values inspire the trust which provides the unbreakable bond that unifies the force. We must practice them ourselves and expect no less from those with whom we serve."

Michael E. Ryan, General, USAF, Chief of Staff (ret.)


COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFNS) -- Several months ago, while in the checkout line of a grocery store in a small Pennsylvania town, I witnessed an example of the far reaching implications of our core values.

While trying to pay for my purchase with an out-of-town check (which I later realized was against store policy), I came under the cautious scrutiny of the store manager. He was not about to let some "questionable" outsider pass a "bad check" to his business.

When I offered my military ID card for identification, the manager's scowl instantaneously turned into a huge smile, and he practically hopped over the counter to shake my hand and accept my check. It turned out he was a Korean War veteran who served in the Air Force. We chatted briefly about what we both did in the Air Force, and then he proceeded to proudly introduce me to his employees as if he were showing off a long lost friend.

Although his service spanned a single tour, it was obvious he was extremely proud of his time in the military and felt a kinship to me as a fellow Air Force member.

Leaving the store I couldn't help but muse at the bond that could bridge across 45 years and the differences between us in gender, rank and specialty codes. The mere fact I was a fellow comrade in arms allowed him to trust me, to have faith in my character, and to see me as a person of integrity.

Looking back, I realize he was not seeing me as an individual, but as an embodiment of the values associated with members of the military services. This practical lesson reminded me that no matter who we were when we entered the Air Force, we now are held to, and should strive to hold ourselves to, a higher standard than the average population.

When asked about the "new" core values program, I respond, "it's not new." These values associated with a profession such as ours have been around a long time; the store manager recognized them during his military service, as others before him did in theirs. It's the embodiment of these values that makes us different.

When I left that little mom and pop grocery store, I walked a little taller knowing the trust and confidence those people had in me -- in all Air Force people. The tricky part, though, is to not let them down.

Our leadership is committed to our core values and has developed a strategy to ensure all Air Force members internalize them on a personal and professional basis. These values are critical and instrumental to the accomplishment of our mission. Let's not compromise them by forgetting their importance and ensure they are intertwined in the fabric of our daily lives.

Someday, after my Air Force career is over, I want to be like that store manager and know I will always be able to associate an Air Force member with integrity, excellence and service. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)

 

 


Current as of 24 Jun 2008. Please send comments and remarks to AFROTC Det 675 Webmaster, or phone 405.325.3211.

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