Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:

As we celebrate the United States Air Force's 65th birthday, we salute all of the dedicated Airmen who serve or have served in our nation's youngest and most innovative Service.

Seventy years ago, Dec. 1, 1941, the Civil Air Patrol was signed into existence by administrative order of Frank LaGuardia, director of the Office of Civil Defense, just six days before the advent of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. CAP's mission during World War II to patrol the coasts for enemy submarines and help protect the nation's shipping lanes resulted in over 500,000 hours spent in flight to fulfill that mandate.

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- There's a commonality that unites the men and women who serve as the 737th Training Group's Military Training Instructors -- "Service Above Self" in transitioning the more than 35,000 civilians a year who enter Air Force Basic Military Training into Airmen.

It's an MTI's professionalism and commitment to Air Force "Core Values" in basic military training that molds those civilians into successful Airmen; role models to be followed and at the end of 8 1/2 weeks, often imitated.

The world around us is evolving and today's Air Force faces a spectrum of challenges. Expectations from all Air Force military members and civilians are high and one of the most demanding challenges is the expectation of professionalism. Along with professional behavior we must ensure compliance with Equal Opportunity statutes which promote fairness for all.

Shortly after I sat down in an airport bar the waitress came over, placed a coaster down and then took my order. While I waited for my order, the coaster caught my attention. I forget what beer was advertised; however, its catch phrase was "brewed with passion." I've met many Airmen who are brewed with passion, and they're the ones I'll always respect. They're brewed with Professionalism, Attitude, Style, Service, Inspiration, Opportunities and Nurturing.