Fallen Airmen speak from the grave about values

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. James Collins
  • 39th Security Forces Commander
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Veteran's Day is for remembering our nation's heroes, not only remembering but considering the contributions they made...and still make. There is an ancient text about a wise man which says "He, being dead, yet speaketh." Our heritage is full of Airmen, who, being dead, still speak to us. Their stories are examples of integrity, service and excellence. Long before our core values were written, the ideas represented were printed indelibly on the hearts of Airmen. 

One misty day last spring, I visited the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in northern France. Most of the heroes buried there died in the First World War. Among the white crosses and stars is one with the name of Lieutenant Frank Luke. To say Lt Luke was a "courageous man" is a gross understatement. He was a pioneer of the early days of aviation. At that time, a great landing was when you could walk away from the airplane, and a phenomenal one was when the airplane could be used again. And, he flew in combat. Some people would say that was purely crazy. I say it required a huge amount of integrity, service, and excellence... 

In late September 1918, Luke was on a mission to destroy three enemy balloons being guarded by eight German fighters. While receiving ground fire as well as fire from the enemy fighters, Luke turned the balloons into fireballs. His aircraft severely damaged, he leveled off at fifty feet and began to engage ground forces, killing six and wounding more before his aircraft could fly no longer. He was not done yet. As German soldiers surrounded the downed pilot demanding his surrender, Lt Luke drew his pistol and, though outnumbered, began firing. His incredible resolve was evident until his death. The Lieutenant knew that there are some things more important than life itself; things like integrity, service and excellence... 

Airmen in every conflict from Lt Luke's war until the present day have answered the call to defend freedom. Many lie in foreign fields; others were sent back to their hometowns in body bags. There are some whose bones still lay where they fell from the sky. In the current war, a number of Airmen have given their lives and many more have been wounded. Today there are Airmen coming under enemy fire in the air and on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. Being under enemy fire tests your resolve; it can shake you to your core. When shaken to your core, there you will find the values you need; the same Core Values modeled by the Airmen of our heritage. Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do...