Why do you serve? Published June 19, 2009 By Maj. Vivian Degenhardt 30th Space Wing Command Post VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you serve in the United States Air Force? I've received a wide spectrum of answers ranging from "To answer a calling" to "For the paycheck." The dictionary offers 37 different definitions of the word service, but the majority of those definitions can be summed up as "providing a capability to another" whether in the form of an action or an object. Air Command and Staff College identifies service as the basis of leadership, defined as "an abiding dedication to the age-old military virtue of selfless dedication to duty at all times and in all circumstances." I believe the fundamental concept of service has been lost. Instead, I think society has bred into recent generations the need to further personal interests. When we entered into service we swore an oath to our nation. I recently had the honor of re-enlisting a staff sergeant. It was not a decision she made lightly, but I am pleased she renewed her commitment. Consequently, I was presented with the opportunity to remind all those in attendance the significance of our oath. It's important we remember and understand the tenets upon which our service was created and the commitment we undertook. The Air Force is a young service compared to its sister branches, but its roots go back to the formation of the Continental Army in 1775. Its mission was (and still is) to protect the freedoms we enjoy and cherish. We each support that mission. I've seen many individuals struggle with this concept firsthand. They feel their job is worthless, means nothing; it doesn't matter if they get the job done well or otherwise. It's not just putting forth our best effort in the physical work, though. Service extends beyond our daily duties. It includes taking pride in the uniform we wear: shoes shined, straight gig line, properly displayed insignia. It includes adhering to customs, rendering courtesies and honoring traditions. It includes representing our country's values, whether on duty or off, although, as I consistently remind my duty controllers, we are never truly off duty. During the civil war, a gentleman - after enduring six attempts at state and federal legislature and two attempts as presidential candidate before being elected to office - addressed the country in what is now known as the Gettysburg Address. While most remember President Abraham Lincoln's speech for its closing, it is his decree to all citizens to continue the work of those who died serving their country that most strikes a chord in me. Gen. Ronald R. Fogelman once wrote of Lt. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., who suffered hazing and prejudice as a West Point cadet, and bigotry and discrimination on active duty due to his race. Despite these injustices he persevered, ultimately joining the Tuskeegee Airmen. He was recognized as a critical link to the integration of African Americans into the armed services and retired after a long and distinguished career. Imagine if General Davis had succumbed to the pressure of his fellow cadets and officers. Would African Americans still make up a significant percentage of our armed forces? Imagine if President Lincoln had not continued to fight for the presidency. Would Americans have rebuilt and united the country without the fuel of his famous words? Our service, like theirs, is for all, and the rewards and benefits ultimately return to us. Our character is defined by how well we support that goal. We are still at war. Not with terrorists and rogue nations, but against indifference and apathy. I challenge you to recommit yourselves to your service. I challenge you to reaffirm your oath to our country and its people. I challenge you to take pride in our mission and your part in it. For those who do, it is my privilege to serve alongside you. I encourage you to ask yourself and seriously consider your answer: Why do I serve in the United States Air Force?