Loud and proud ... HUAH!

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Like most Americans, many of you have likely watched American Idol. If you have seen American Idol, you know that contestants who sing on the show are “proud and loud.”

We share a lot in common with the contestants. Just like the contestants on the show, we in the United States Air Force are proud individuals. We take pride in what we do and how we do it.

We show our pride every day when we put on our uniform and do our jobs -- for example, when we fix aircraft or equipment, build bombs, load bombs onto aircraft, edit enlisted performance reports and serve meals at the dining facility.

There’s no doubt we in the Air Force take pride in everything we do. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, we’re proud of where we’re going and we’re proud to serve our country.

There are endless examples of when we show our pride. Think back to when you raised your right hand and swore to defend our country. I’m sure you had a feeling of pride.

Right now, there are many Airmen from Ellsworth who are serving proudly as part of America’s fight in the war on terrorism around the world. Currently, there are 15,000 Airmen deployed in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Just last week, many Ellsworth Airmen returned from Iraq. Three of those Airmen were from my squadron, and all three were proud of what they accomplished during their 120-plus day deployment and of the vital role they played in the war on terror and returning freedom and dignity to the citizens of Iraq.

Did you recently get selected for promotion? Did you receive an award or medal? How did you feel … proud?

You should be proud of yourselves and your accomplishments. Promotions, awards and decorations are all symbols that reflect the fact you served proudly and boldly in the past and indicate you’re likely to do the same in the future.

I have the satisfaction of performing promotion ceremonies and awards ceremonies regularly. I’m proud to do it, and few things give me more satisfaction than rewarding those who serve.

When I get to perform these ceremonies, I do notice that each individual I recognize stands a little taller and looks a little sharper. Why? Because they are equally as proud of their accomplishments as I am of recognizing them for it.

I’m a proud commander. Every day, the folks in my squadron make me very proud. I’m proud of their accomplishments, proud they work hard, proud they have positive attitudes and proud they take care of each other.

We’re a proud family.

Every day, the DUI board in the munitions storage area entry control point is updated with another number showing how many days we’ve gone without a DUI. As I write this article, we’ve gone 173 days without a DUI.

Last year, we went 198 days without a DUI, and I have no doubt we can go 365 days.

We can only succeed if everyone becomes good wingmen and have a complete plan when they go out. We’re all proud to have gone this long without a DUI, proud we have a plan, proud we know to think about and understand the consequences of drinking and driving.

Are you proud and loud? In the 28th Munitions Squadron, pride is not just what we talk about, but what we do every day. We may never be as rich and famous as an “American Idol,” but we’re every bit as proud.

So, the next time you’re at a wing function, Airman Leadership School graduation, or in the munitions storage area and hear someone yell “AMMO” followed by a response of “HUAH;” then stand up and take notice, because we’re proud and loud in the 28th MUNS, and pride is contagious!