Respect, trust earned by group, shared by association Published Nov. 1, 2006 By Lt. Col. Steven Fournier 33rd Flying Training Squadron Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Many times I hear people, as a member of the armed forces ask, "What is the importance of being conscientious of everything we do on and off duty?" Why does it matter that we have our hat on when we go to and from our car at home or at work? What does it matter to the Air Force what I do on my own free time? I can tell you that the high level of professionalism civilians expect from military members is something we should be proud of and should strive to uphold. What civilians think of a person in military uniform was impressed upon me one evening when I was driving back from a class that I was attending at a local college in San Antonio. Because of a quick-turn time from a flight I had, I was forced to remain in uniform during my class and for the drive home. On the drive home, two cars were speeding on the highway and as they passed me one lost control and flipped over. Fortunately a police officer was there at the scene seconds after it happened. I pulled over to see if I could help, as did a few other civilians. As I approached, the officer told everyone to move away, but, seeing my uniform, he asked me to stay with the driver while he radioed for help. It was important at this time to keep the scene clear for the police and ambulance. You might not realize how it felt that this police officer, even though he knew nothing about me, automatically and without a doubt trusted me with such a very important and sensitive job. I cannot express the feeling of honor that I had. This instant respect has been earned, not just by me, through years of professionalism that Airmen have shown civilians everywhere. You and I must attempt to keep this high level of respect by watching everything we do on- and off-duty. It may seem you should be able to separate your Air Force career from your time at home, but you can't. Everyone who interacts with you will either add a positive or negative attribute to their view of the Air Force for everything they see you do. We should always be aware that we are upholding an unprecedented level of professional trust with the world that can be easily lost, and extremely hard to regain. While I have the opportunity, I would also like to address another group that has earned respect and trust. I came across this unknown authored poem that says it all about the military spouse. I think too often we trivialize their contribution and sacrifice for our nation, and I hope that this small poem can shed some light on the enormous benefit they give to each other, their families and their country. The Military Spouse We are sisters of the same experiences, hopes and fears. You carry some of my thoughts and I some of yours. You understand the chest I have labeled special memories that grows heavier as it is moved from assignment to assignment. I understand your box marked curtains which contains seven different sets, each of which fit only one window in all of the U.S. and Europe. You know what it is like to plant a tree, realizing that someone else will sample its fruit and enjoy its shade. I know how you paused while hanging a picture in base housing to hear for a moment the echoing footsteps of the families that preceded you. I also know that you never write in your address book in ink. To us home is not so much a geographic location as it is a place in our hearts. The evening news is more than a 30 minute blitz of information; it is often the compass that directs our hearts and lives. I have stood in your shoes and you in mine on decks, piers, flightlines and terminals of every description around the world, waving good-bye and whispering a silent prayer. To us the words 'support our troops' are more than t-shirt, or bumper sticker logo. We wear a yellow ribbon around our hearts every day; because we know that every day a military member stands watch at freedom. We come from all walks of life. We are homemakers, workers, professionals; and in our number are those who serve our country on active duty and in the Reserves. We are different, and yet we are the same. Sometimes I see your face in the mirror. Sometimes you dream my dreams. So, we come together today to celebrate our similarities and explore our differences in the spirit of friendship and unity, I am honored to count myself among you. All spouses, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.