COMMENTARY: Thank you for your service

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. David Lee
  • 100th Maintenance Group chief enlisted manager
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  "Thanks for your service!"

I frequently relay these four words to many of you, all over this base, and I truly mean it. With 4th of July plans in full swing, we often think of barbecues, time off and going to RAF Feltwell for fireworks and the air display.

During this time, I ask you to take a moment to reflect on the genesis of this historic holiday, when 56 courageous patriots put their signatures on a single document that would subsequently change the world and create the birth of our great nation.

Ultimately, Independence Day was the culminating event that was produced after many months of disagreements and arguments. Upon the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we have feverishly defended liberty, life and the pursuit of happiness throughout the world.

Now, 238 years after declaring our independence, it's still a great exercise to continuously improve and challenge ourselves. I'm routinely asked if the Air Force is better now than when I enlisted more than 29 years ago, and the answer is clear. The many positive changes I've seen has taken us to another level and created the best Air Force in the world.

The first two letters of Airmen, to me, means we are All In with our dedication to service.

I wonder what our forefathers would have thought of our relationship with the United Kingdom, our adversary in 1776. Today, Great Britain is our sixth leading trading partner, one of our closest allies and who the president of the United States has declared a country with which we share a special relationship.

Our mission at RAF Mildenhall is a force multiplier for our national defence, both in the air and on the ground. Our Square-D KC-135 Stratotankers fuel the fight and bridge the gap 24/7, creating unending global reach and persistence for the war fighter. Our mission partners perform the mission in the area of responsibility every day to deliver supplies, equipment and personnel to the front lines with precision and maximum performance, with a teammate mentality always in the forefront.

I wish you all a great Independence Day, but I encourage you to have a plan and use your wingman.

If you're travelling be especially careful on the British roads, as we all know they tend to be more dangerous over holidays. Be mindful of those you share the road with, and if you drink, don't drive! Please have a designated driver.

For all the personnel we have deployed, temporary deployed or performing the mission and who will celebrate the holiday away from RAF Mildenhall, thank you.

I'm proud to serve with you all. Thanks again for your service!