BLUE LINEBOT Class 15-03 Issue 3

Class 15-03, things are getting

checked off the list to graduation, and because of that, it’s time to pick up the pace. Thanksgiving

is sure to give us a nice break from

regular classes, but that means it also gives us plenty of time to study and prepare for those

upcoming tests and assignments. We have no excuse to fall behind now.

I - the subject or object of self-consciousnessAM - to occupy a place or position

AN - a certain; a particularAMERICAN - of or pertaining to the United States of AmericaAIRMAN - an individual who serves in his country’s air force

Somehow after looking at the literal definition of the statement “I am an American Airman,” there is something lacking, so here is an additional breakdown.I - This does not refer to an object, but an individual with thoughts, desires, hopes, and dreams. This is not a machine, but a person born with divine qualities and unalienable rights.AM - Not just “occupying a place,” but everything that it took to get to that place: early mornings, late nights, extra studying, and in the end, total personal transformation.AN - Particular? Absolutely. There is not another individual like any other, and because of that each person is part of the greater whole, but they remain AN individual who must act accordingly.AMERICAN - A place where anyone can follow their dreams; where it doesn’t matter where you came from, who your parents are, or what you look like. Where every citizen is guaranteed a voice and every day holds countless possibilities. A land where the only limitations are your imagination and dedication.AIRMAN - The best of the best. Leaders of integrity and exemplary character. Dedicated and knowledgeable warriors willing to give their lives in defense of their freedoms, families, beliefs and way of life.

Photo of thE wEEk

“Military service is not just another job. It’s an uncommon profession that calls for people of uncommon dedication. A leader unwilling to sacrifice individual goals for the good of the unit cannot convince

other unit members to do so.” - Hawk

After an interesting morning and more than 175 combined hours of service, Class 15-03was able to finish up their service in Montgomery. Many of the community members thanked the OTs who decided to dedicate a portion of their day to helping out a worthwhile charitable event in the city. The OTs were publicly thanked for their contribution to race by the event organizer who praised the Air Force. He further shared his appreciation and said, “Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to have these events.” Hopefully Class 15-03 will be able to help at similar events in the future.

“Service Before Self”

Class 15-03, get your cameras ready and your lenses cleaned, because every week you will have the opportunity to submit your photos for the honor of Photo of the Week. Submit photos to OTLageman1503T@gmail.com by 2000 on the Friday of each week.

AIr forcE SymBoL

It is recognized throughout the world as the symbol for the United States Air Force, but it only became the official symbol in 2004. The symbol was created to create a centralized and cohesive rally point for the Air Force and the American people as a whole. The symbol is broken down into several key elements that represent different aspects of the Air Force.

AIr & SPAcE PowEr

The stylized wings represent the stripes of our strength – the enlisted men and women of our force. They are drawn with great angularity to emphasize our swiftness and power, and they are divided into six sections, which represent our distinctive capabilities – air and space superiority, global attack, rapid global mobility, precision engagement, information superiority, and agile combat support.

corE VALUES

The star is framed with three diamonds, which represent our core values – integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. The elements come together to form one symbol that represents two powerful images – an eagle, the emblem of our nation, and a medal representing valor in service to our nation.

GLoBAL PowEr

The sphere within the star represents the globe. It reminds us of our obligation to secure our nation’s freedom with Global Vigilance, Reach and Power. The globe also reminds us of our challenge as an expeditionary force to respond rapidly to crises and to provide decisive air and space power worldwide.

oNE forcE oNE fAmILy

The area surrounding the sphere takes the shape of a star. The star has many meanings. Its five points represent the components of one force and family – our active duty, civilians, Guard, Reserve and retirees. The star symbolizes space as the high ground of our nation’s air and space force. The rallying symbol in all our wars, the star also represents our officer corps, central to our combat leadership.

hoNorING hIStory26 Nov 1968: 1st Lieutenant James Phillip Fleming, a helicopter pilot and air commander in the air force, had previously completed five months of flying with the 20th SOS in Southeast Asia. The majority of this time was spent flying deep penetration high-risk missions, ferrying small reconnaissance teams of Special Forces to and from their insertion points. On this date, he dropped a mixed team of six Green Berets and Montagnard tribesmen. The team, code named RT Chisel, was commanded by Staff Sergeant Ancil Franks, and it was tasked with reporting troop movements along the river between South Vietnam and Cambodia. Lieutenant Fleming continued to conduct a number of insertions and was returning to the forward operating base at Duc Co, when he got a radio transmission that RT Chisel was in trouble 30 miles north.The team had been discovered by a large force of enemy troops and was getting attacked on three sides, trapped on the fourth by the river. Leading his formation of five Hueys, including two gunships, Lieutenant Fleming sped to the team’s assistance. Once his force arrived, the gunships started strafing runs, while one troopship left to refuel. A gunship was damaged during the strafing run and crash landed, its crew was later rescued by one of the troopships. Lieutenant Fleming’s first approach to grab the Special Forces team was abandoned, because the team couldn’t make the extraction point. On the second approach, the gunship timed its run to coincide with RT Chisel’s claymores. Five members of the team broke for the beach, with the enemy troops just behind them and their salvation taking heavy incoming fire. Lieutenant Fleming waited until the sixth man appeared and grabbed the rope ladder, before he pulled pitch and flew to safety. Lieutenant Fleming received the Medal of Honor for putting the lives of the team over his own personal safety.Source: Zimmerman, Dwight Jon. “1ST LIEUTENANT JAMES PHILLIP FLEMING, U.S. AIR FORCE,” Command Posts, 16 Nov, 2010 http://www.commandposts.com/2010/11/1st-lieutenant-james-phillip-fleming-u-s-air-force/

carry on 15-03!

For questions, comments, or concerns contact OT Mecham at

OTMecham1503T@gmail.com