To all reservists: thanks for your selfless service

I wanted to take this first opportunity to personally thank each of you who make up this important command. Air Force Reservists continue to play an ever-increasing role in support of the world's best Air Force.

As citizen airmen, you have played a vital role in our nation's defense. The post-9/11 environment has pressed our command even harder, and as usual you have met the challenge and performed brilliantly, showing a true sense of patriotism, a love of country and selfless service that typifies the Air Force Reserve and makes our nation proud.

The Air Force Reserve has provided homeland defense through combat air patrols, medical support, security resources, airlift and refueling, aerial port transfer, search and rescue, detainee transfer and much more to support our national defense against terrorism. We continue to expand our role in support of contingency operations.

From Operation Joint Forge to Operation Noble Eagle, from Operation Enduring Freedom to Operation Iraqi Freedom, our nation's Air Force Reserve has provided the assets to show that the resolve of our great nation will not waiver and we will ultimately win America's fight for freedom throughout the world.

The role of the Reserve continues to change and expand as you prove yourselves time and time again to a grateful nation. Air Force Reserve Command's Future Total Force will include F-15 associate units, space operations, Predator, Global Hawk, RED HORSE and Operation Deep Freeze, to name only a few.

Over the last few years, the contributions being made by Air Force Reservists have been more significant because we operate with limited budgets and resources. We must face our future challenges with this reality but make it our highest priority to serve you: the Air Force Reserve's greatest asset.

The Air Force Reserve has to make people its first priority. This means doing all we can to help you do your job. This includes providing the best leadership, the best training and the best equipment. We will continue to push for equipment such as aircraft defensive systems, advanced targeting pods and improved night-vision goggles. The ongoing effort toward continued modifications of equipment ensures interoperability and relevancy to combatant commander requirements.

In addition, we need to focus on quality of life factors that involve family, employer and community support. We will continue to work for legislation for citizen airmen and their families to receive equitable pay, entitlements and benefits in keeping with the sacrifices made by all of those who serve.

I appreciate your selfless service to our Air Force and our nation. I am proud that you serve in such an exemplary fashion, without fanfare, in the defense of America, providing a rapid response with global presence to protect and bring freedom to all. God bless each of you and all you do in the Air Force Reserve and the service of our nation.

Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley Commander, Air Force Reserve Command

COPYRIGHT 2004 Air Force Reserves
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group