History, why it should be important to you Published July 9, 2008 By Paula Taylor ICBM and Heritage Museum director F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- "Why is it important to learn about what happened before today?" I have heard that question many times throughout my 25 year career as a museum director. The saying I like to repeat to visitors to the museum concerning history is, "That learning about our past tells us how we got where we are today and to help to predict the future and hopefully not make the same mistakes." Even so, many Airmen have not realized the true potential of history. I have found that it will become very important to each and every one of you as your lives progress. The military is well aware of the importance of studying our past. Through Airmen's careers, history is part of your curriculum and rightly so. History is reflected in the uniforms you wear, the military ceremonies you participate in, the patches worn on uniforms and even the way in which you protect our nation. A very good example of how we have learned from our past is when the war in Afghanistan changed due to the type of terrain in which our military found themselves fighting. For the first time in over one hundred years, the military is mounted on mules and horseback to traverse Afghanistan's rough terrain. Another modern example is when the war in Iraq began. Many military historians immediately began researching information on past incidents during Desert Storm. There were many lessons learned in the early 1990s in which our present military members benefited. For of those of you who are curious about the meaning or the 90th Space Wing patch, the shades of blue allude to day and night vigilance. The globe signifies the intercontinental scope of the wing's mission. The red isosceles triangle represents the wing's endeavor for peace through the strength of its assigned weapons. The lightning bolts depict the constancy and swiftness of the wing's deterrent force, while the yellow denotes excellence, honor, and the highest of values. Lastly, the six stars represent the original squadrons and the honors awarded to the wing. The word Impavide in the scroll means "Undauntedly." The 90th SW has had the same patch for more than fifty years. The members of this base have defended the United States of America from her enemies and the "Mighty Ninety" has served its country with the highest levels of pride and excellence shown throughout the Air Force. From the bomber and reconnaissance aircraft of the 1950s to the present-day ICBM force, the 90th has shown its power and dedication toward world peace. I challenge every one of you to research and find out some new piece of military history. You might be surprised at what you learn. Your research can begin by looking at the Air Force Historical Research Agency Web site http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil.