Lew Hartswick wrote:
Larry Norton wrote:
From a former Airman, I can tell you it's beautiful!
As another Former Airman (1951- 53) it's good BUT I Hate that new
emblem. It looks "spindled, folded, and mutilated".
...lew...
At first I agreed with you...
In as much as I miss the old wool uniform and bus-driver hat... I think of the past. I still have my old jacket tucked away in some dusty corner... with fond memories of an Airman's visions of the gruff and wise senior NCO handing out wisdom like so much penny candy and a dream of someday making Master Sergeant and wearing that final bottom stripe.
...but I do not despair to wear this "new" rank or symbol... a downturned rocker now rides high and proudly upon my chevrons like a shield before the phalanx... Some may view it as new and an aboration, but my Airmen see it as representing their hopes for their own futures-- for this I wear them both with honor.
I treasure the past but embrace the present---these bright-eyed young men and women truly are our nations's greatest hope.... and my greatest joy. I cannot describe how much eagerness I sense in their every action, and how much their eagerness fuels my fire.
Because of this, I wear this strange new Air Force symbol... for duty and honor and the knowledge that maybe someday an old and crusty Master Sergeant will think of these fleeting times and this new symbol as "the good old days".
In recent times I have observed Airmen with glistening eyes view this angled star and wings as a representation of their devotion.... they cling to it with a dedication that leaves me in awe. Though I maintain my old Hap Arnold symbol within my heart, I sense its and his spirit within this new emblem... and this gives me peace beyond words and hope for generations to come. A symbol is just that, a symbol... what it stands for is much greater than a shape-- it is your vision, my vision, and that of those to come.
With the greatest of respect to you, your service, and your thoughts on this angled star and wings in which I now find such grand beauty,
And with the hope that as kindred spirits you may now see some of its beauty as well,
Yours in shared devotion,
Master Sergeant Lawrence Richards
42 ECS, Davis Monthan AFB, AZ