What the uniform means to me

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Kobernuss
  • 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) --  On the way from my home in Ohio to San Antonio where I was about to begin basic training, I kept looking out the window thinking to myself, “I’m really doing this. My family will be so proud. My wife and daughter can sleep easy knowing that I will protect them.”

As my flight landed, a little boy behind me was looking out the window. He turned to his mother and asked where the bombs were. His mother told him there were no bombs on this kind of plane. Then he asked, “Who’s going to protect us if there’s no bombs?” His mom said, “Honey, there’s somebody out there to protect us.”

That made me realize that my family wasn’t the only family relying on me for protection. I have a much bigger family now.

My uniform means protection.

My uniform means people will not have to wonder who will keep them safe. My uniform means our families will not have to worry about suicide car bombings or guerilla attacks in our streets.

My uniform means freedom.

My uniform means servicemembers before me gave me the freedom to choose. My uniform means it’s my turn to ensure people after me have that same freedom.

My uniform means honor.

My family and I were visiting Sea World at the end of basic training. A woman came up to me and grabbed my arm. She said, “Don’t think I’m crazy but I want to thank you for what you’re doing. You have no idea what this means to me. I really appreciate what you’re doing for our country.” Then she thanked me again and shook my hand.

My uniform means pride.

How many people wake up in the morning and know they are a part of the greatest force in the world? How many of them put on their uniform and know everybody in the world is watching them? I know there is no uniform that attracts attention as much as mine does. This is the last uniform I’ll ever wear. I know every time I put on my uniform I will look sharp and professional.

My uniform means courage.

When the time comes and it’s my turn, I’ll be able to take the training I’ve received and perform in a hostile environment. I’ll put on my uniform and know it means I’ll be able to help people who can’t help themselves. When I put my uniform on, it means I’m willing to get in harm’s way and protect what I believe in.

When I put on this uniform, it means my wingman can trust me with his or her life, and I will trust him with mine. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)