New Airman’s Creed -- reminder of combat heritage

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The new "Airman's Creed", a clear and concise statement fueled by the Air Force's heritage and a warfighting ethos that exists in all Airmen, was introduced by the Air Force chief of Staff April 18. 

"Our new Airman's Creed reminds us all of the incredible combat heritage we have as Airmen," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "We're a combatant Air Force; our mission is to fly, fight and win our nation's wars. We should embrace the notion that the Air Force is a combatant organization." 

The new creed debuted on the 65th anniversary of the Doolittle Raiders' heroic strike at the heart of Imperial Japan in 1942,"said General Moseley. "Like many Airmen of the past, the Raiders exemplified our warfighting spirit, and remain an inspiration to us all." 

The Airman's Creed was created from a collaborative effort and feedback from Airmen throughout the Air Force. 

The Airman's Creed is a reflection on those who served in the past, those who presently serve, and will be a model for those to come. It is a constant reminder of our commitment in supporting and defending the mission. 

"The Air Force is the youngest of the services, and as the youngest of the American military services, I think we have lacked an identity that is distinctly ours," said Senior Master Sgt. Sandra Cooper, 28th Munitions Squadron first sergeant. "The Airman's Creed, like the (Army) Soldier's Creed and the (Marines) Rifleman's Creed, identifies our purpose at a time when we are being challenged as no other time in our history." 

Sergeant Cooper said she thought the creed was simply written, no flowery words, and its message is clearly stated for all of us, regardless of rank or position. She said it represented who we are and what we stand for. 

"An official creed has been a long time in the making and I, for one, am glad to finally have one," said Master Sgt. Chris Morgan, 28th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant. "We should take extreme pride in our creed and not diminish it in any way, shape or form. This is our Air Force and we are forging its future. 

"We are warriors; in today's global war on terrorism, this has never been more evident. We are not only flying the missions in the air, but we are kicking butt on the ground," said Sergeant Morgan. "No matter what our job is in the Air Force, it can be traced back to getting that aircraft off the ground to accomplish its mission." 

Sergeant Morgan said we are a young service and today's Airmen are forging our heritage daily. He said our airmen always step up to the mission knowing the possible costs. "We are the sword and shield of our great nation and its avengers when called upon." 

"If these are to be words we live by, then the creed should be recited and not just read," said Sergeant Cooper when asked how and when the Airman's Creed should be read. "Airmen should be required to memorize it in basic training. It should be recited at official functions; it should be a part of Professional Military Education graduations, promotions and roll calls." 

"This (creed) is about our people and an Air Force that is fundamentally different from any other service," said General Moseley. "This (creed) is about where we've been and where we're going as an Air Force." 

Information contributed by: Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs.