Are you in the Air Force? Published July 15, 2013 By Capt. Terrance L. Spikes 94th Communications Squadron DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Six months ago, a security officer at one of the Atlanta Federal Center buildings stopped me and asked, "Are you in the military?" Not surprised by the question, I entertained the inquiry and responded, "Of course isn't that obvious?" The thought crossed my mind, if I conduct myself as a military member outside of my uniform, there must be something that radiates "Military Man." Perhaps it is walking as if I have a purpose - brisk, yet under control and calm, and aware of my surroundings. Perhaps it is the first impression - confident, but not arrogant. I immediately thought of our Air Force Core Values and how they manifest themselves in my daily actions. For example, it's 5:42 a.m. and I'm 12 minutes past my normal departure time for Unit Training Assembly. I'm alone at the traffic light without a soul in sight for miles. I briefly think, "no one would see me run this red light. If I get pulled over, I'm in military uniform. I'll probably be let go with a simple warning." Those thoughts alone violate our first Core Value - Integrity First. I could not ignore this fundamental principle, even if I could benefit from doing so. In my civilian job, I encountered a situation where service to our great nation prompted me to consider the second Core Value - Service Before Self. In short, I had the opportunity to work at a Fortune 500 company making 40 percent more than my salary at the time. This reinforced my belief that civilian companies covet military veterans for the diligence and initiative they exude, without asking us to do so.To serve is honorable and noble, especially when the choice results in the service of humankind. I chose to serve my country. I've had the opportunity to travel from Atlanta's inner city to Alaska, Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, The Netherlands and Spain. This brings me to our third Core Value - Excellence In All We Do! To me, this is most critical of all core values. It is the summation of all, and demands our utmost effort in everything we do, whether securing the flightline for incoming dignitaries, repairing the landing gear of a C-130 aircraft, or maintaining the integrity of a secured network in support of our NATO allies. Excellence In All We Do is the standard, and any deviation tears the very fabric of our mission - to fly, fight and win! It demands our very best when no one is looking - integrity, to serve the masses - service, and do so with the utmost quality - excellence! When you put on your Air Battle Uniform, flight suit or service dress, do you feel a sense of pride and honor that goes with belonging to something bigger than yourself? When I think of that security officer's question, are you in the military, I smile and respond, "the U.S. Air Force is in me." My fellow Airmen, is it in you?
