Once an airman, forever an airman

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. William Milligan
  • Command Chief Master Sergeant of Air Education and Training Command
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  It's one of those things that sneaks up on you. You are ambling along, doing your job each day, enjoying life, when suddenly your life changes, never to be the same. You don't really like it, but you must accept it because you can't do anything about it. So you start making plans to deal with this unwanted situation called retirement!

Never in 29 years have I been faced with a dilemma that I have had such a difficult time accepting.

Regardless, it will happen, and I will find a way to deal with it. Consequently, there are a few things I would like to leave with you as I transition to another career.

Life as an airman is an honor and privilege. We sometimes forget to consider the challenges and opportunities afforded us as an airman. Being an airman is not about pay, benefits, allowances or entitlements. It's about freedom, democracy and an equality of life for all. These freedoms we enjoy are only as secure as the men and women who are willing to serve in our armed forces. Being an airman is one way of making that ultimate commitment.

This commitment must be free from inhibitors such as compensation or expected rewards. Of course, those who serve should expect a reasonable quality of life for themselves and their family, but that is a function of leadership. The role of the airmen is to prosecute those things within their control that ensure freedom and equality for all, to dedicate themselves to maintaining democracy regardless of the requirements.

At times, the challenges presented during a career can seem overwhelming, yet we always find a way to succeed. We deal with deployments, remote tours away from family, and uprooting and moving families many times to many different homes and numerous school systems. With each job come new challenges for both the member and the family. Only someone who has walked in these shoes can appreciate these challenges, but with each also comes opportunities.

We are afforded the opportunity to become mentally and physically stronger, disciplined and able to deal with change. Our family members also learn to deal with the temporary nature of each assignment. Most importantly, we are privileged to be a part of something far more important than life itself.

We know that as a result of our service the world will be more free for a little longer, and along the way we are blessed. We are fortunate to work with only the finest professionals, from the pilot to the mess cook. Our growth and potential is only restricted by the constraints we place on ourselves. Everyone is equal regardless of gender, race or religion. The bottom line is we have the greatest people serving this great nation in the greatest Air Force in the world and serving with distinction. We get to be a part of this great institution.

With this understanding, I believe I can accept retirement because there are many who will come after me, just like those before me, those committed to ensuring this country continues to be the flag bearer for freedom and democracy.

As stated by our 12th chief master sergeant of the Air Force, when I am retired and my young granddaughter is sitting on my knee and asks, "Granddaddy, what did you do in the Air Force?" I know exactly how I will respond. "Sweetheart, I was part of an institution that promoted democracy, an organization where freedom was paramount. I was a member of a profession where words like character, valor and integrity had a totally different meaning than what the dictionary defines. I was an airman and in our job the bottom line wasn't profit. It was freedom."

I will truly miss putting on my uniform each morning, but I realize that being an airman is not just about wearing a uniform. Being an airman is not just a job, not just a vocation, not just a hobby. It's about being the consummate military member and citizen.

Being an airman is stepping up and facing the requirements of military life. Being an airman is not something you put on or take off; it's not something you quit doing. No, even in retirement we don't stop being airmen, we simply change roles. In reality, you can never stop being an airman because it is part of your DNA.

I was blessed and fortunate to spend the last several years of my career in Air Education and Training Command. The people in the First Command, from the leadership to the staff at the headquarters to the instructors in the most geographically separated field training detachments, have given me outstanding support. You are true Air Force professionals, and I know you will welcome and support your new command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Karl Meyers, in the same manner you supported me.

God bless our Air Force, and God bless this great country. (Courtesy of AETC News Service)