Living by the Creed: Never leave an Airman behind Published Nov. 19, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Jason Elsing 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- American Airmen from all walks of life, serving in places across the globe, will join together to share a feast with their closest family and friends on Thanksgiving Day. While many of our brethren will head home, far more will remain on-station in support of our never ending mission. With the everyday stress of the nuclear enterprise, how will you celebrate Thanksgiving? How will your fellow Airman celebrate this holiday? During basic training, we are all familiarized with the Airman's Creed, and were taught to embrace it at all levels. For everyone serving in today's Air Force, the Airman's Creed must be more than a creed - it must be a standard to live by. While many things have changed within the Air Force in the past year, one thing has remained consistent: we are committed to taking care of each other. This is a sentiment embodied in the final stanza of the Airman's Creed: "I will never leave an Airman behind". Be sure you take time to recount the joys and blessings of the past year as you gather with friends and loved ones in the coming days. As we do so, it's important we take time to remember the people who will be unable to join us. Thousands of Airmen, serving in remote corners of the world, may not have the opportunity to enjoy a hot meal. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we must honor their sacrifices by maintaining our dedication to each other. The holiday season can be a very difficult time for some of our comrades. Some Airmen may struggle with being away from home for the first time, and others may struggle with the empty space created with an Airmen from their family is away. No matter the situation, everyone should have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a meal on Thanksgiving. It is my sincere hope on Thanksgiving that every Airman knows they are part of a family, even away from home. As this may be the first Thanksgiving away, not being a part of family traditions can be very hard on our youngest Airmen. We tell our Airman every day we depend on them; without their tenacity and support the mission wouldn't succeed. This thanksgiving, I challenge you to give something back to them. Dish up that extra plate, and show your Airmen they are part of your Air Force family. Will you remember the Airman's Creed and never leave an Airmen behind?