JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
September 18, 2015 marks the commemoration of 68 years of airpower as U.S. Air Force Airmen, past and present, celebrate the Air Force's birthday.
The legacy of the Air Force dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when the U.S. Army Signal Corps formed an Aeronautical Division, only three-and-a-half years after the Wright brothers flew the world's first powered airplane, according to airforce.com. Within a matter of 40 years that encompassed roles in two world wars, the Aeronautical Division took on several arrangements and names, ultimately earning its independence as a partner with the Army and Navy in 1947.
Today, the Air Force's mission to "fly, fight and win ... in air, space and cyberspace," merely alludes to the diversity of capabilities comprised of contemporary Airmen, and the opportunity for Airmen to grow personally and professionally.
Airman 1st Class Haley Benson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, honor guardsman, reflected on the Air Force's rich heritage and where the force is today in terms of diversity, equality and technological advancements.
Benson grew up in an Air Force family with both of her parents serving, and although she said the force has changed a lot from the stories her parents told her, to her, the Air Force has been a way of life that continues to improve the quality of person she is.
"Both my parents were in the Air force, my dad retired, my mom served for six years, and whenever I talked about what it was like for them it seems so different," she explained. "It seems like we have a lot more to do now as a standout person, not just a standout Airman."
At the center of the Air Force's "total person concept" are its core values: Integrity first, Service before self and Excellence in all we do. For Benson, the core values provide a foundation for life.
"The core values are huge staples in our military, they're so important to live by and be a part of," she said. "Integrity first - that's one of my favorite virtues because it takes a lot of courage. Doing the right thing takes a lot of courage. Putting service before yourself is the most selfless thing you could do, especially in the military, and excellence in all we do is just always striving to be better until the day you die. Holding onto those firm beliefs will never steer you wrong."
In keeping with those tenets, the Air Force offers its Airmen the ability to better themselves and help improve the lives of others through a variety of opportunities. Today, more than ever, Airmen are encouraged to take full advantage of prospects the Air Force affords.
"What opportunities has the air force not offered to me?" Benson asked. "I'm trying to get my master's [degree] and the opportunity to have an education is something that the Air Force is very big on.
"The care for your education, the care for your families and the care the Air Force has for the community members is incredible," she continued. "I've had so many opportunities to be involved with my community that I wouldn't probably get, with as much enthusiasm as the Air Force allows me, on the outside [of the military]. The impact and ability I can have as a leader has been incredible. You can be a leader at any rank and the Air Force gives you every opportunity to lead."
Recognizing the support the Air Force provides its Airmen and their families is to distinguish the organization's ability to maintain and advance its performance level.
"The Air Force birthday really is in such a short period of time when you look at the whole military," Benson said. "The Air Force is like the baby of the military, but our advancements in airpower and space are incredible. To carry on the legacy is really to carry on the works that people have done before us, and to step to their level and continue to grow as the most powerful air force in the world. We've come a long way, but it's far from the end."