An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

380AEW Article

Independence--home and away

  • Published
  • By Maj. Rebecca M. Emerson
  • 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 4th of July makes me think about how the beach feels on my toes, how good BBQ smells and the wonderful sight of fireworks. Most of all, it makes me think of my family and how much I miss them. In my 17 years in the military, seven of those were spent overseas. How many times have you spent the 4th away from home? Whether this is your first or last, I hope you enjoy it. In every place that I lived overseas, I celebrated our independence with other Americans.

As I reflect on spending it away from the U.S. for one more year, I am proud to say it will be with the men and women of the 380th AEW. Even though I am away from my country, I am surrounded by those who answered the call of service before self. Those people are my friends and I am happy to spend this day with them.

I say that because it is easier to see the meaning in what we do the closer we are to the contingency mission. I am proud because I believe in American ideals. We did not get everything right in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed. However, the beauty of our system is its ability to change. We have been changing for the better based on a core set of ideals. The Air Force core values reflect those ideals and our service members embody them. I know the day will come when I have to stop wearing the uniform so I am grateful to serve while I am able. I am grateful to serve with true professionals. These professionals are on active duty, in the Reserves and Guard, in civil service, working as government contractors and working for our host nation. Within the first day of landing on this base, I could see and feel the energy of the wing. It is very refreshing to be surrounded by service members who are solution-focused and energetic.

Being over here on the 4th and wearing the uniform every day makes me think about all those who have served in the military from 1776 until now. They (we) are the reason I associate the 4th with happiness and family. The U.S. is free and has been for a long time. We are free to worship the God of our choice; free to be who we are and free to criticize every aspect of our government. Our country is amazing and we should remind ourselves to cherish our freedoms.

We have a full work day planned for the 4th because the mission here never stops. Even so, I hope everyone will take some time to reflect on the meaning of this day. Also, those who are able can participate in the wonderful MWR activities planned for the base. With technology, we can even webcam chat with those we love back home. Whatever your plans, be proud to know you are less than one percent of the population that ensures the freedom of the other 99. Talk to the base historian about the history of the 380th or look up our nation's history. You play a huge part in upholding our country's ideals and supporting its freedom by working the mission of the 380th.