Blog | September 18, 2017

Happy 70th Birthday to the United States Air Force

With deep gratitude, the Mission: Readiness team wishes a Happy Birthday to the United States Air Force

1950s Air Force jet

At the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, a quote from U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Margaret Chase Smith is etched in glass:

“There will be demands upon your ability, upon your endurance, upon your disposition, upon your patience…just as fire tempers iron into fine steel so does adversity temper one’s character into firmness, tolerance and determination.”

Lt Col Smith knew the character of American Airmen well–while representing Maine in the U.S. Senate, she served in the Air Force Reserve and investigated retention and recruitment at the request of the Secretary of the Air Force.

Smith drew upon her Air Force experience as the influential ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. In 1970, she led efforts to block a nominee to lead the Selective Service because he strongly supported transitioning to an all-volunteer force. Later reversing course, Smith stated that she would support creation of an all-volunteer effort “if the military manpower required by our national security can be obtained both in quality and quantity.”

Unfortunately, over 70 percent of young Americans today are not qualified for military service. Lt Col Smith’s strong concern about the need for the continued quality and quantity of manpower is a concern we all share. It inspires us to fully recommit to our mission of preparing citizen-ready young people throughout our nation.

As we mark the 70th Birthday of the United States Air Force, we are thankful for the opportunity to help more young Americans, as Smith said, develop their ability, endurance, disposition, patience, firmness, tolerance, and determination. Ensuring that America’s young adults are healthy, well-educated, and of high moral character is a critical step to growing these qualities through military service or productive civilian life.

Happy 70th Birthday to the United States Air Force, with tremendous gratitude, from the Mission: Readiness Team.