GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- After reading Staff Sgt. Aaron Driver's letter, "Why I won't re-enlist", in the Air Force Times, I felt compelled to reply with a letter on why I did re-enlist.
There is no doubt the bureaucracy and routine beadledom inherent with an organization the size of the United States Air Force can be frustrating at times. On paper, the assurance of college money, access to health care, and the opportunity to travel while learning a skill are perks enticing to most. While these are very real benefits of military service, it is truly a sad thing for anyone to complete an enlistment without recognizing the overarching impact of their actions. I do not write this out of a do-or-die patriotic mindset, but from a very calculated decision-making process and a strong feeling of moral obligation.
In Lt. Col. Dave Grossman's book, "On Combat," he refers to an old Vietnam veteran who uses a metaphor to describe our underlying purpose as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
He writes, "'Most of the people in our society are sheep. They are kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another by accident.'" He goes on to describe wolves - the evil men and women of the world who live to feed on the flock. There is no doubt they are out there, people and organizations alike who despise our way of life and seek to implant fear in the hearts of your family and mine. "'Then there are sheepdogs,' he went on, 'and I'm a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf.'"
Regardless if your [Air Force specialty] is involved in directly opposing the "wolf", we all have our own in niche in ensuring our loved ones can wake up in the morning and walk outside without being afraid.
We are part of a long and proud heritage of sheepdogs - individuals who believe there are things far more important than their own personal comfort and safety. I believe it is imperative that we not only recognize this for ourselves, but also instill it in our significant others by explaining the tremendous supportive role they play as sheepdogs.
We may not be able to control orders and issues that stem from above our pay grade, but we can undoubtedly control how they impact us and those we come in contact with. An airman or NCO who demonstrates a hardiness of spirit despite inconvenience and adversity creates a ripple effect that can leave a lasting impact on those around them.
Frustrations over deployments, scandals, etc., pale in comparison to the privilege of being part of such a noble existence. I view my current enlistment, and the ones to follow, as a small sacrifice to help give my friends and family the incredible gift of freedom and peace of mind. Every day you put on your uniform is part of your legacy and is an opportunity to leave our country a better place than when you found it. This is why I re-enlisted.
(Editor's note: Tech. Sgt. Christopher Bauchle is a 434th CES fire protection craftsman who recently wrote this commentary for the Air Force Times, but also shared it with the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office for publication. Bauchle was also recently selected as the 434th ARW's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2013.)
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)