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| News > Commentary - If you're wondering why it's important to serve, just ask veterans serving today |
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If you're wondering why it's important to serve, just ask veterans serving today
Posted 11/10/2010 Updated 11/8/2010
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Commentary by Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
11/10/2010 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Over the course of my recent deployment to Southwest Asia between December 2009 and June 2010, I wrote more than 400 stories highlighting deployed servicemembers.
Those stories included deployed Airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing as well as U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery. While my deployed base held a small percentage of the hundreds of thousands of deployed troops, what I learned from them about why they serve is a direct reflection of how military veterans of today are proud to follow in the footsteps of veterans past.
"I enjoy serving in the U.S. Army," said Army Sgt. Peter Gehrke of the 1-7 ADA at Fort Bragg, N.C. "I joined to experience a different lifestyle and travel to different places and meet new people. My grandfather and father also served so I wanted to serve as well."
The Airmen and Soldiers I was deployed with came from all walks of life and from all areas of the military. There were people from active duty, Army and Air National Guard and Army and Air Force Reserve. It was a total and joint force of people who had many reasons to serve.
For many of the people I interviewed, serving and deploying with the military was carrying on a family tradition. For others, it was personal.
"I was working for United (Airlines) on Sept. 11, (2001) when the airplanes hit the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon, and crashed in the field in Pennsylvania," said Capt. Hillary Wykes, a KC-10 Extender pilot who was deployed from the 9th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. "The people on those planes were my co-workers. My whole world changed.
"I am incredibly proud to be able to serve in our nation's Air Force," he said. "This is my fourth deployment to the Middle East, and each time I am out here, I am reminded of how good we have it as American citizens."
And speaking of citizens, there was one citizen Airman I deployed with -- Senior Master Sgt. Mark Miller of the Iowa Air National Guard -- who not only became a good friend of mine but also reminded me how important each and every servicemember is to defending our freedoms. He also pointed out how important one's family is to serving.
"I have a great pride in our country," said Sergeant Miller. "When I told my wife I wanted to volunteer for this deployment, she asked me why. I told her that I was close to retirement, I would be taking off my first sergeant diamond in June and I had one last chance to make a difference in an Airman's life. Maybe, I thought, I could help someone who was having a hard time coping in a deployed environment. She, my two sons and my daughter have supported me ever since and I'm glad I was able to do this one more time."
Another Airman I interviewed, Senior Airman Larry Syska from the 127th Force Support Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., said no one needs to ask him why he serves, but more so why not?
"From top to bottom, whether it be here or at home, we all have an important role to play in our nation's safety and security," said Airman Syska, a former Soldier. "I choose to do it wherever and whenever my unit needs me. It gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that even in the smallest of ways I do my part to keep our country safe."
The Soldiers and Airmen I have cited here as examples are but a small footprint in the long path of history of Americans who chose to serve their country. On Veteran's Day Nov. 11, our nation will take time to remember all those who have served and serve today.
What I'd like you to remember in observing Veteran's Day is that it doesn't matter what military service they are from, or whether or not they are Guard, Reserve or active duty servicemembers. The reasons people serve in the military coincide with the foundations our country was founded upon: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They want to defend everything America represents and they do so proudly.
I also must add that we serve successfully only with the extraordinary help of our families, friends and the support of our hometowns. Our values, beliefs, character and courage are often shaped with the help of people with whom we surround ourselves and veterans of today or yesterday will agree that this is how it is.
Combining each servicemember's personal drive and his or her support from loved ones creates quite a formidable force for which every American should be grateful for, and should remember, this Veteran's Day.
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| TJ HARRIS CMSGT RET, CLEVELAND AL |
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| Bob Broene, Holland Mi |
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| CMSgt Judy Bivens retired, Selmer TN |
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