Airman's Creed

Published Aug. 14, 2007
By Col. Jay Raymond and Chief Master Sgt. Tim Omdal
21st Space Wing

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- It has been almost four months since the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, introduced the official Airman's Creed.

As General Moseley explained in his April 25th Roll Call, the intent of the Creed is to articulate the fundamental beliefs and capture the warfighting ethos of the 700,000 active duty, Reserve, Guard, and civilian Airmen who comprise our Total Force.

We're extremely proud of the way in which many members of the 21st Space Wing, and those throughout the Team Peterson community, have embraced the new Airman's Creed. People are really making an effort to memorize its text line for line and internalize its warfighting spirit. I would expect that all Airmen set a goal for the near future to be able to recite the creed from memory.

In fact, in an effort to further blend the Airman's Creed into the culture of our daily activities, I am encouraging that it be recited at all 21st Space Wing official functions. It's important to continue to remind folks of our commitment in supporting and defending the mission and ideals of the U.S. Air Force. Making the creed a part of our graduations, promotions and award ceremonies is a great way to do just that.

Rather than focus solely on our Air Force specialties or individual jobs, the Airman's Creed allows us to reiterate the importance of thinking and acting as a single Air Force entity. Much like what the Army Soldier's Creed and Marine Corps Rifleman's Creed does for those services, the Airman's Creed defines who we are and what we do as members of the U.S. Air Force.

As I've already stated, the Airman's Creed is less about what we do as individual Air Force members and more about what we do as a unified Total Force. At the same time, one can easily see the tie between individual unit missions and the creed's overarching theme ... that is the beauty of the Airman's Creed. Allow me to demonstrate using the 21st Space Wing as an example:

I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my nation's call.

One of the key missions of the 21st Space Wing is to deploy Warrior Airmen. In fact, there are currently 220 members from the wing deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Even those who are not actually deployed, but stand deployment ready, have "answered their nation's call" through their diligent efforts as members of this wing.

I am an American Airman. My mission is to fly, fight, and win. I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor.

The 21st Space Wing is a distinguished unit that can be traced back as far as 1942 - beginning with a lineage from the 21st Tactical Fighter Wing, activation of the 1st Space Wing in 1983, all the way to activation of the 21st Space Wing in 1992. Our mission, even though it has evolved over time, has always been faithful to the concept of flying, fighting and winning.

I am an American Airman, Guardian of freedom and justice, My nation's sword and shield, Its sentry and avenger. I defend my country with my life.

The 21st Space Wing vision "Strength and Preparedness to Save the Nation" along with our wing patch's sword and shield symbolize our commitment. We stand ready across nine time zones, five countries, 27 locations, 43 units, and 16 weapon systems in the defense of this country.

I am an American Airman: Wingman, Leader, Warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind. I will never falter, and I will not fail.

In the 21st Space Wing, much like all other units across the Air Force, we take care of each other because we are a part of the same team. As Wingmen, we recognize that without the contribution of every single member, we would be unable to successfully accomplish the mission. As leaders and warriors, we willingly accept the responsibility that comes with being members of the U.S. Air Force. Part of that responsibility means never relenting on our standard for flawless mission performance.

As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Air Force's establishment as a separate service, there is no better time than now to reflect on what the Airman's Creed is really all about. I encourage each one of you to carefully consider what the words mean from a personal standpoint.

As General Moseley pointed out, it is imperative that everyone in our Total Force line up with a single mission focus committed to and guided by these fundamental beliefs.