Air Force Memorial: Reflection of every Airman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  In her 23 years in the Air Force, Master Sgt. Valarie Foster has seen many changes. New uniforms, new aircraft and new missions, she's seen them all.

But the one thing that hasn't changed, she says, is the attitude of the individual Airman.
"People come and people go," she said. "But the spirit of the Air Force stays the same."

That spirit is one of determination, commitment and honor. One, she added, that is embodied in the Air Force Memorial, which is set to be dedicated Oct. 14. When it is, Sergeant Foster will be there, helping transport, set up and tear down a display featuring historic Air Force uniforms and insignia, a job she was happy to volunteer for.
She had the opportunity to see the memorial during its construction and it left an impression on her that remains today.

"The fact that the monument soars high above the very side of the Pentagon that suffered a direct attack on Sept. 11 serves as a reminder of the awesome responsibility the military bears in the protection of our homeland," she said. "All who see this monument can know that we take this charge to heart ... that we are ready."

And though her time in the Air Force is drawing to a close, Sergeant Foster is happy she could be a part of the dedication of the service's memorial before she hangs up her uniform for the last time.

"This is such an important event for our Air Force," she said. "Knowing I played a part in it is just the highlight to a great career ... it's like the icing on the cake."

Besides, she added, now, just like the Marines have their Iwo Jima monument and the Army their Korean War monument, she will have something she can look at and remember her time in the Air Force - the Air Force Memorial.

But it does more than honor her own career, she says, it honors those of every Airman past and present who keep the Air Force spirit alive.

"This monument pays homage to yesterday's visionaries, while looking forward to the limitless future of air power," she said.