Service an eye opener
I think this is a great avenue to vent or discuss military matters. My almost 18 years in the Air Force have been great. From the places I've lived to the people I've met, I've grown spiritually, professionally and personally over the years, but I admit the turning point came when I had to deploy to Saudi Arabia in support of Desert Shield -- which eventually developed into Desert Storm. I'm a weapons troop and before Desert Storm I sort of took my job for granted. Desert Storm was an eye opener and reality check. I loaded over 1,000 bombs on the B-52 and, unlike an exercise, the bomb bay came back empty. What an experience! The Air Force is a different way of life that takes all of us focusing on the big picture. Our main goal is to prepare to go to war at a moment's notice and instill that in our younger troops through constant mentoring and leading by example.
Master Sgt. James A. Newborn
Langley AFB, Va.
2/13/2001
Take care of our own!
I'm writing in response to the negative letters concerning incentive rides for the rich and famous. Why? Because there are a lot more of us in the blue suit who agree with you all 100 percent. I know the Air Force does this for publicity and recruiting, but all letters written addressed the need to provide these incentive rides to the individuals who really deserve it -- the backbone of the Air Force -- airmen and NCOs. The Air Force wants to improve its retention rates -- here's one little way to let the first-term and career airmen know they are appreciated. Let them know they are important to our Air Force and take care of our own!
Curt Olesnevich
Tinker AFB, Okla.
2/13/2001
Forgotten passengers
I think it's sad there are thousands of airmen in the U.S. Air Force who work hard every day for their country, yet we still have people who have never rode on an Air Force aircraft.
Airman 1st Class Jonathan Sepulveda
Gabreski ANGB, N.Y.
2/13/2001
Valuable tool
I am surprised by all those who don't see the value in providing orientation flights for celebrities. The media coverage generated by these events would cost millions if bought on the commercial market and provides a valuable recruiting tool for relatively little cost. Hiring Ricky Martin or Tino Martinez for a commercial would cost millions, but for the price of an hour of flying time the Air Force has found a way to reach millions of potential recruits for next to nothing. While I don't doubt the retention value of a flight provided to hard-working Air Force people, the number of flights given to celebrities is minimal compared to the number given to Air Force people everyday. I doubt these flights are costing hard-working airmen a chance to fly.
Capt. Joseph Macri
Aviano AB, Italy
2/13/2001
Time for a change
Physical standards for the military is a good idea. As I walk through the commissary and base exchange I fail to observe pieces of aerobic and athletic equipment, any heart monitors and fat-free products. This is 2001, isn't it? Where are all of the healthy choices? The supply system has given a class number for alcohol and we can purchase cigarettes in a multitude of places. We have expensively clad clubs but no juice bars. If we are teaching young airmen anything, it is how not to be healthy. Isn't it time for a change?
Jayne E. Jackson
Seymour-Johnson AFB, N.C.
2/13/2001
Can we move on?
Carswell Air Force Base, Texas, was closed Sept. 30, 1993. Why is it that the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard do not recognize this fact? Is there some mysterious boundary that separates NAS Ft. Worth Joint Reserve Base, and Carswell Field? Heritage is one thing. Many flying units trace their history back to World War II units, etc. Two names for the same piece of real estate is confusing and can be a source of controversy between its multi-service occupants. Carswell is gone; can we move on?
William Blanchette
NAS Ft. Worth JRB, Texas
2/13/2001
Stress everywhere you turn
I have noticed many letters about the stress many NCOs and airmen are under due to the "do more with less" position the Air Force has adopted. Like many of these young airmen, I enlisted in the Air Force right after graduation from high school. I served only one enlistment, most of it in Europe during Desert Shield/Storm, and got out to seek my fame and fortune. While I have had much success since my discharge, it was the result of years of hard work and sacrifice, both for myself and my wife. Those years were full of more stress than I ever encountered in my life. My point is there is stress everywhere you turn. You can't avoid it; you just have to deal with it the best you can. If you think the Air Force is the only organization trying to "do more with less," just wait until you get a civilian job!
Terry L. Conley
McGuire AFB, N.J.
2/8/2001
Thank you Air Force
I would just like to express my thanks to all the people in the Air Force. I know you have made incredible sacrifices on your part, whether it be low pay, or separation from those you love. I wanted you to know that there is at least one civilian who is proud of you and what you do for your country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Tracy Mille
Offutt AFB, Neb.
2/8/2001
Willing to serve again
I think the Air Force would be pleasantly surprised at the number of people they forced to retire that would be more than willing to come back on active duty to help fill critical vacant positons. I am spiritually, mentally and physically able to perform any of my previous duties, and I know for a fact there are many others that feel the same way I do.
Capt (Ret) John E Carroll
2/8/2001
Where are the flights?
I'm really thrilled that Tino Martinez and a bunch of other celebrities are getting a flight with the Thunderbirds. What about all the men and women in the Air Force that work 12-hour days and spend months deployed away from home? When will they be getting their incentive flights?
Tech. Sgt . Christopher Judd
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
2/8/2001
|
Advanced Search