Basic training grads say 4th of July feels different now

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Air Force Print News
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Last year Airman 1st Class Samantha Riddle spent Independence Day floating down a river and watching fireworks.

The day meant nothing more than a chance to hang out with friends and to enjoy a day off from the daily grind of working in the medical field. Now, as a graduate of Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, one of the Air Force's newest members has a new respect for the holiday.

"As a member of the military I have a greater appreciation of what this holiday means. In the future, I will definitely enjoy celebrating the holiday with my new military family," Airman Riddle said.

The Airman, who grew up in Summertown, Tenn., will soon be an aircraft loadmaster. She joined the military to serve her country, travel and to take advantage of the educational benefits.

Airman Riddle was one of 781 Airmen who graduated from basic training June 30. Four others shared their thoughts about the Fourth of July and their futures in the Air Force.

Airman Shane Robinson -- who is eager to help send "care packages" to terrorists in his career as munitions system apprentice -- joined the military to make a better life for himself.

He spent his last Fourth of July setting off fireworks with his buddies -- getting a jump start on his Air Force career with explosives.

This year he feels more connected to the holiday.

"It means more to me now because it is the Independence Day holiday for the country that I am now charged with protecting," said Airman Robinson, who is from Hilmar, Calif.

On the other hand, Airman Jeremy Hoover has always had an appreciation for Independence Day because his father was in the military. He spent parts of his childhood traveling with his father from base to base in Missouri, Nebraska and Hawaii. Today he calls Honolulu home.

"This holiday has always been extremely important to me," said Airman Hoover, who spent a year in college before enlisting to become a material management apprentice. "It is great to now be in the military myself during the holiday."

Airman Nova Noon, who will also be a loadmaster soon, used past Independence Days to go camping with friends, said this holiday makes him feel closer to his country.

"The holiday makes me feel so patriotic," said Airman Noon, who unloaded trucks for a department store in his hometown of Eugene, Ore., before joining. "I look forward to working with and sharing this holiday, with great co-workers who share the same values that I do."

Once a supervisor for the United States Postal Service in her hometown of Raleigh, N.C., Airman 1st Class Amy George spent the past Fourth of July on the water and watching fireworks.

She will soon become a C-17 Globemaster III crew chief. Like her fellow graduates, this holiday will be different now that she's in uniform.

"I now feel like I am a part of what make this country the greatest nation on Earth," she said.