From Valley Forge to Kandahar: Our flag is still there

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  I love seeing a room snap to attention and the base freeze during retreat as everyone turns their attention toward the flag, something which has come to represent everything good our military has accomplished in the past 235 years.

Having never deployed, it can be hard to relate to everything we're doing now to continue spreading freedom, but as July 4th approaches, I appreciate everything we're accomplishing overseas.

The 23rd Wing currently has more than 1,100 Airmen deployed to locations all over the world, some safer than others but all fighting toward the common goal of maintaining freedom and safety for all Americans.

The American flag has been around in some form or another since the Revolutionary War. It has symbolized different things to different people. From the bloody battlegrounds of the Civil War to the rocky coasts of Iwo Jima, to being raised at ground zero the day after Sept. 11, it's always there representing the men and women who defend it.

It's hard to count all the moments when I've appreciated how great our country and armed forces are- reciting the oath of enlistment with hundreds of other new Airmen or participating in a flag-folding ceremony for deceased World War II veterans in Washington D.C.- but the American flag is something that unites all Airmen.

I have spent every one of my 21 years as an American being a part of the military in some way- first as a dependent and now as an active duty Airman. There's nothing else I'd rather do than be a part of something so much greater than myself. It was easy to find other Moody Airmen who share the same sense of allegiance.

To honor and celebrate America's 235th birthday, we had some of Moody's finest pose with Old Glory and tell what belonging to this country and military means to them.


Senior Master Sgt. Claude Paddock, 820th Combat Operations Squadron superintendent
"I've been in the Air Force for 20 years now, and there's nothing's more patriotic than seeing families waving American flags as they welcome home loved ones from fighting for six months overseas. The flag itself is a symbol of freedom and liberty, but it can help remind you what decision to make in difficult times. It can be about making the hard right versus the easy wrong.

"What I'm proudest of about our country and our military is the type of guys I serve with every day. They're behind the scenes making things happen. They don't mind helping out their fellow Airmen at a moment's notice.

"I grew up in New Jersey, and July 4th was celebrated like it is in many towns. We had a small town parade, fireworks at the local pond and of course, barbecue. That's what it's all about. This day should be about remembering what the day means- things have certainly changed in the past 235 years."

Staff Sgt. Mark Whitson, 41st Helicopter Maintenance Unit electronic warfare
"It can be hard when you're not deployed to fully realize the impact your job has and that there's a real war going on. I've been deployed now six times to Afghanistan and Iraq, and it really helped me appreciate what our mission of 'The things we do ... that others may live.'

"Combat search and rescue missions have such a large impact on people's lives. Part of July 4th is appreciating the freedoms we have as Americans, and we're in turn helping others have freedom in their lives."

Staff Sgt. Joshua Hahn, 23rd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler
"It's unique for America that we have the freedom to volunteer to serve in our military's country and that we then go on to fight with other nations to help them work toward getting the freedoms we have.

"There's sometimes debate about the places we're fighting in, but what really matters is that we go in with the genuine intention of doing the best we can and making a difference. The Air Force is unique with the experiences and training we get.

"My proudest moment of being a part of the Air Force is when I graduated from military working dog handler training. I got out after my initial enlistment and rejoined because I missed what the military offered and I really wanted to serve as a MWD handler."