Kennedy: Ask what you can do for your country Published Sept. 29, 2008 By Glen Garcia 90th Medical Operations Squadron F.E. WARREN AFB, Wyo. -- During his inaugural address Jan. 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy said what some consider the most memorable and inspiriting words ever to motivate a nation and to define the role all must comprehend when it comes to being a responsible citizen. "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger," he said. "I do not shrink from this responsibility -- I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. "The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world," he continued. "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." At Warren, as a member of the mental health flight that continuously takes care of our active-duty members and their families, I am hearing a developing current of discontent and increased frustration with the mission we assume every day as a missile wing. Our primary role and responsibility is nuclear deterrence. Our young Airmen play a critical role in defending freedom and stopping tyranny on a global scale. You are one of those few generations that will have a dramatic impact on the military challenges we face. As a member of the United States Air Force, you are responsible for defending freedom and stopping the rise of tyranny and terrorism by maintaining the safety and security of our nuclear arsenal. I hear from Airmen how difficult it is to be stationed here. I hear from spouses and children how frustrating it is to have your spouse or parent away from home for days at a time. But thank you for what you do. You may not think what you do is important, but it is vital to freedom. Thank you. I encourage our leaders and our community members to thank you for serving your nation. I beg you, as President Kennedy did in 1961, to not shrink from your responsibility, but accept the challenge and know being stationed at a missile wing is a rare opportunity. Your career offers you to be a part of something special and unique, even though at times it may not feel like it matters. Welcome your assignment by making the best of your time here. Take responsibility for the choices you make everyday about the present state of your life and your career. Understand it is often easier to quit then to persist, but persistence builds character, integrity and experience that will guide you for the rest of your life. If you are not happy, talk to your leaders about your job and ways to make it more rewarding. If you cannot change your job or your assignment, the only thing you may be able to change is your attitude. A positive attitude can be infectious to those around you. Ask not what others are doing, but ask what you can do to make this one of the best assignments you will ever have in the U.S. Air Force.