Air Force leaders issue Martin Luther King Day message Published Jan. 17, 2013 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Martin Luther King Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force: "As America commemorates the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we call upon all Airmen to reflect on Dr. King's enduring legacy and on the importance of service in the cause of justice, equality, and freedom. "At the height of the U.S. civil rights movement, Dr. King rallied our Nation to live up to the promise of full equality under the law, without regard to race, color, or creed. Striving to build on Dr. King's legacy today, we have a responsibility to ensure that all Americans enjoy their right to equal opportunity and constitutional protections. "Air Force leaders are committed to these values, and through your service, Airmen play a vital role in supporting and defending the freedoms that generations of Americans fought to secure. On Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, we encourage you to pause and consider the lasting impact of Dr. King's ideals and their continuing relevance today."