WEBVTT 00:14.060 --> 00:17.010 Legacies are a tricky thing . You don't 00:17.020 --> 00:19.131 really know what they look like until 00:19.131 --> 00:21.131 you've moved on to the next step of 00:21.131 --> 00:22.742 your life . Legacies are the 00:22.742 --> 00:24.409 culmination of a million tiny 00:24.409 --> 00:27.229 interactions . Our legacy is that we've 00:27.239 --> 00:29.549 made a difference , a difference in our 00:29.559 --> 00:32.259 community across the nation and around 00:32.270 --> 00:34.830 the world through each conversation and 00:34.840 --> 00:37.950 task , each deployment , each promotion . 00:38.459 --> 00:40.348 Our legacy is that we have made a 00:40.348 --> 00:43.259 difference . This is our story , our 00:43.270 --> 00:46.409 own story to step into act out and 00:46.419 --> 00:48.689 thrive within and because it's our 00:48.700 --> 00:51.150 collective story , we get to write each 00:51.159 --> 00:54.580 page all the way until the end . We are 00:54.590 --> 00:57.500 the authors of our own legacy . And our 00:57.509 --> 00:59.270 reactions to the plot are an 00:59.279 --> 01:01.580 exploration of our identity . Our 01:01.590 --> 01:04.300 shared values and commonality of who we 01:04.309 --> 01:06.919 are . We are the operations group , 01:06.930 --> 01:09.263 maintenance , group , mission , support , 01:09.263 --> 01:11.097 group , medical group , the wing 01:11.097 --> 01:13.069 headquarters . We are the 127 the 01:13.080 --> 01:15.269 refueling group , Michigan airmen , 01:15.279 --> 01:17.629 Michigan Air National Guard , 01:18.870 --> 01:20.926 being part of Selfridge Air National 01:20.926 --> 01:23.037 Guard Base is more than just carrying 01:23.037 --> 01:24.870 out a duty . It's belonging to a 01:24.870 --> 01:26.703 century old organization with an 01:26.703 --> 01:28.889 attitude of pride . We've weathered 01:28.900 --> 01:31.769 storms faced challenges and changes 01:31.809 --> 01:34.290 failed and succeeded . And through it 01:34.300 --> 01:36.370 all our legacy continues to write 01:36.379 --> 01:38.769 itself . Our legacy is not about 01:38.779 --> 01:41.709 aircraft or missions . It is about us , 01:41.720 --> 01:44.080 the people , the dedicated women and 01:44.089 --> 01:46.559 men who sacrifice every day to protect 01:46.569 --> 01:48.180 our freedoms and support our 01:48.180 --> 01:50.680 communities today . Selfridge Air 01:50.690 --> 01:52.970 National Guard Base and the 1 27th Wing 01:52.980 --> 01:55.559 continue to write their stories . Our 01:55.569 --> 01:58.160 legacy , embracing innovation , 01:58.400 --> 02:00.809 adaptability and excellence in all we 02:00.819 --> 02:03.360 do from safeguarding our skies to 02:03.370 --> 02:06.080 providing aid in times of crisis . Our 02:06.089 --> 02:08.339 impact resonates far beyond the borders 02:08.350 --> 02:11.149 of Michigan . These are our stories . 02:14.669 --> 02:17.679 What prompted me to come here was I 02:17.690 --> 02:21.449 have three kids and my spouse uh wanted 02:21.460 --> 02:23.682 to be closer to his family . He is from 02:23.682 --> 02:26.380 Michigan . Um And I was OK with moving 02:26.389 --> 02:28.770 up here and it's been really fun 02:28.779 --> 02:31.229 actually since I had always wanted to 02:31.240 --> 02:33.410 join the military and my now husband 02:33.419 --> 02:35.419 was here . So that's how I ended up 02:35.419 --> 02:38.539 here . I decided to join and for the 02:38.550 --> 02:40.550 great benefits and again , to learn 02:40.550 --> 02:42.779 something new and um do something 02:42.789 --> 02:44.622 outside of what , what I do as a 02:44.622 --> 02:46.789 civilian . It was kind of one of those 02:46.789 --> 02:48.900 things where I , I grew up here a lot 02:48.900 --> 02:51.178 like coming out here a lot with my dad . 02:51.178 --> 02:53.289 I knew I was gonna do it eventually . 02:53.289 --> 02:55.759 So I came out enlisted and been here 10 02:55.770 --> 02:59.029 years now . I came to Selfridge in 2012 02:59.139 --> 03:01.361 and I came to the Wing because I wanted 03:01.361 --> 03:03.472 to serve my country . And I wanted to 03:03.472 --> 03:05.472 be a part of a team that had values 03:05.472 --> 03:07.528 that aligned with my values . One of 03:07.528 --> 03:09.639 the main reasons that II I decided to 03:09.639 --> 03:11.695 come to Selfridge was uh I wanted to 03:11.695 --> 03:13.695 give opportunity uh at my last duty 03:13.695 --> 03:16.320 station for people to move up . So uh I 03:16.330 --> 03:18.552 was kind of standing in the way of some 03:18.552 --> 03:20.663 people that needed some growth . So I 03:20.663 --> 03:22.608 stepped out of the way to let them 03:22.608 --> 03:24.274 flourish and me take on a new 03:24.274 --> 03:26.274 opportunity . I joined Selfridge in 03:26.274 --> 03:29.720 September of 2019 . I actually was 03:29.729 --> 03:32.199 active duty prior to this , I pa chase 03:32.210 --> 03:34.369 to come and raise my family closer to 03:34.380 --> 03:36.602 home because I was born and raised here 03:36.602 --> 03:39.389 in Bay City , Michigan . How I joined 03:39.399 --> 03:42.139 was I saw an email from U of M Flint's 03:42.149 --> 03:44.750 email and I was like , oh , I need to 03:44.759 --> 03:46.759 push myself , get out of my comfort 03:46.759 --> 03:49.190 zone and I decided to enlist them . 03:49.399 --> 03:51.750 What brought me to Selfridge was my 03:51.759 --> 03:53.815 previous life in the army . I was an 03:53.815 --> 03:55.648 infantry officer and I wanted to 03:55.648 --> 03:57.820 continue serving my country in a way 03:57.830 --> 03:59.941 that enabled me to have a better home 03:59.941 --> 04:01.886 life as well as keep supporting my 04:01.886 --> 04:03.719 infantry men on the ground . And 04:03.719 --> 04:06.052 Selfridge flies the mighty A 10 warthog . 04:06.052 --> 04:08.052 And I can think of no better way to 04:08.052 --> 04:10.052 keep supporting my infantrymen than 04:10.052 --> 04:11.919 flying the A 10 . The legacy of 04:11.929 --> 04:13.985 Selfridge Air National Guard Base is 04:13.985 --> 04:16.207 deeply rooted in its rich history . And 04:16.207 --> 04:18.096 pivotal role in military aviation 04:18.739 --> 04:21.459 established in 1917 . We hold the 04:21.470 --> 04:23.692 distinction of being the first military 04:23.692 --> 04:26.079 airfield in the United States . Over 04:26.089 --> 04:27.867 the years , we have been at the 04:27.867 --> 04:30.200 forefront of technological advancements , 04:30.200 --> 04:32.200 training and readiness serving as a 04:32.200 --> 04:34.145 crucial hub for air defense combat 04:34.145 --> 04:36.480 operations and humanitarian missions 04:37.100 --> 04:39.267 with a celebrated history of providing 04:39.267 --> 04:40.989 vital air support during major 04:40.989 --> 04:43.100 conflicts from both world wars to the 04:43.100 --> 04:45.239 global war on terror . Our strategic 04:45.250 --> 04:47.559 location and operational capabilities 04:47.570 --> 04:49.626 have made Selfridge an indispensable 04:49.626 --> 04:52.839 asset for our nation's defense now . 04:52.850 --> 04:54.572 Well into the new millennium , 04:54.572 --> 04:56.794 Selfridge has distinguished itself as a 04:56.794 --> 04:58.989 leader of innovation and excellence in 04:59.000 --> 05:01.239 aerial tactics and support operations , 05:01.250 --> 05:03.339 shaping the future of the air force 05:03.350 --> 05:06.079 from Southeast Michigan beyond our 05:06.089 --> 05:08.489 military contributions . Selfridge is 05:08.500 --> 05:10.399 inextricably linked to the local 05:10.410 --> 05:12.720 community , forging strong partnerships 05:12.730 --> 05:15.040 and fostering a spirit of co-operation . 05:15.350 --> 05:17.630 Our legacy has spread to those outside 05:17.640 --> 05:19.640 of our fence line , providing local 05:19.640 --> 05:21.880 economic opportunities and growth for 05:21.890 --> 05:24.440 local businesses and actively engaging 05:24.450 --> 05:26.339 with nearby residents through our 05:26.339 --> 05:28.500 outreach programs and joint exercises 05:28.510 --> 05:30.529 and training . Our commitment to 05:30.540 --> 05:32.429 providing aid and disaster relief 05:32.440 --> 05:34.570 efforts , showcases our dedication to 05:34.579 --> 05:36.523 global service and passion for our 05:36.523 --> 05:38.940 communities . This part of our enduring 05:38.950 --> 05:41.000 legacy reflects our unwavering 05:41.010 --> 05:43.059 dedication to national security 05:43.070 --> 05:45.230 community support and international 05:45.239 --> 05:48.130 co-operation , solidifying our place as 05:48.140 --> 05:50.529 a beacon of light to those we serve 05:54.010 --> 05:55.709 um within the FS SI AM in the 05:55.720 --> 05:57.942 installation personnel readiness office 05:57.942 --> 06:00.320 and I handle all personnel related 06:00.329 --> 06:03.029 actions with deployments So I'm an A 10 06:03.040 --> 06:05.151 crew chief . So this is my plane back 06:05.151 --> 06:08.839 here . Um DC C , we primarily work on 06:08.850 --> 06:11.128 so generation . So the flying schedule , 06:11.128 --> 06:13.769 we generate those jets for the pilots 06:13.779 --> 06:16.559 for the mission to get them ready . So 06:16.570 --> 06:19.109 I'm actually a pilot for the 171st air 06:19.119 --> 06:21.175 fueling squadron here at Selfridge . 06:21.175 --> 06:23.579 And I fly the KC 135 . I'm a co pilot 06:23.589 --> 06:25.899 right now and I have an aircraft 06:25.910 --> 06:28.077 commander and then a boom operator and 06:28.077 --> 06:30.132 we all work together to complete the 06:30.132 --> 06:32.243 mission but get to travel to a lot of 06:32.243 --> 06:34.021 cool places as well . My job is 06:34.021 --> 06:35.910 aerospace medical technician . My 06:35.910 --> 06:38.079 duties day to day are reviewing phaqs 06:38.089 --> 06:40.350 medical clearances for a GRS drawing 06:40.359 --> 06:43.079 blood giving vaccines . I work in the 06:43.089 --> 06:45.256 com focal point , also known as client 06:45.256 --> 06:47.311 systems . We are the focal point for 06:47.311 --> 06:49.422 the base as far as computer repairs , 06:49.422 --> 06:52.920 telephones and radios through changing 06:52.929 --> 06:54.818 mission sets through professional 06:54.818 --> 06:57.019 development opportunities . We equip 06:57.029 --> 06:58.751 our people with the skills and 06:58.751 --> 07:00.696 expertise needed to excel in their 07:00.696 --> 07:02.700 roles and lead with confidence . We 07:02.709 --> 07:04.876 attract some of the best and brightest 07:04.876 --> 07:06.820 talents from across the globe . Uh 07:06.820 --> 07:09.100 transfer from the 156 wing uh to Puerto 07:09.109 --> 07:11.200 Rico . And the reason I transferred 07:11.209 --> 07:13.579 here was uh because with my civilian 07:13.589 --> 07:16.220 job , I got transferred to uh initially 07:16.230 --> 07:19.019 Michigan and now Ohio , my love for 07:19.029 --> 07:21.589 aviation made me join the Air Force and 07:21.600 --> 07:24.489 particularly to go becoming a pilot for 07:24.500 --> 07:26.444 the United States Air Force . I am 07:26.444 --> 07:28.980 originally from Cameroon and I moved to 07:28.989 --> 07:31.579 the States a few years back . And uh 07:31.589 --> 07:33.970 being part of a great team like the Air 07:33.980 --> 07:36.329 Force and uh more , more especially a 07:36.339 --> 07:38.510 flying squadron , it's something I've 07:38.519 --> 07:41.029 always wanted to do . And the return on 07:41.040 --> 07:42.929 investment in our people is their 07:42.929 --> 07:44.929 commitment to upholding the highest 07:44.929 --> 07:47.151 standard of professionalism , integrity 07:47.151 --> 07:49.670 and excellence in all we do . Preparing 07:49.679 --> 07:51.679 the next generation of airmen isn't 07:51.679 --> 07:53.901 just about teaching them what we know , 07:53.901 --> 07:55.846 it's about inspiring them to reach 07:55.846 --> 07:57.846 beyond our limits , guiding them to 07:57.846 --> 07:59.679 discover their own potential and 07:59.679 --> 08:01.846 equipping them with the resilience and 08:01.846 --> 08:03.901 wisdom to navigate the challenges of 08:03.901 --> 08:06.140 tomorrow . The Air Force continues to 08:06.149 --> 08:08.079 invest in cutting edge technology 08:08.089 --> 08:10.279 including next generation aircraft , 08:10.290 --> 08:12.529 unmanned aerial systems and advanced 08:12.540 --> 08:14.660 weapon systems . Our technological 08:14.670 --> 08:16.892 advancements enhance our capabilities , 08:16.892 --> 08:19.929 ensuring superiority in the air space 08:19.940 --> 08:22.320 and cyberspace domains , but it is 08:22.329 --> 08:24.750 nothing without our people . Our people 08:24.760 --> 08:27.140 are trained , our people are leaders 08:27.429 --> 08:30.200 and our people are our strength . As 08:30.209 --> 08:32.487 chief master sergeant of the air force . 08:32.487 --> 08:34.598 Joanne Bass said we are serving at an 08:34.598 --> 08:36.760 inflection point in our history where 08:36.770 --> 08:38.760 our air force must change and re 08:38.770 --> 08:41.539 optimize to effectively deter and win 08:41.549 --> 08:44.150 if necessary . In an era of great power 08:44.159 --> 08:46.880 competition , we've got to be strong in 08:46.890 --> 08:50.710 air land , sea space , cyber 08:51.150 --> 08:53.940 and information . And I'd also submit 08:53.950 --> 08:56.117 to you that if we lose in any of those 08:56.117 --> 08:59.429 three last war fighting domains by the 08:59.440 --> 09:02.869 way that we probably lose . Period . 09:03.520 --> 09:05.700 A lot is riding on our next generation 09:05.909 --> 09:07.742 and our legacy will endure these 09:07.742 --> 09:08.539 changes too . 09:12.400 --> 09:14.622 Families bound by tradition of military 09:14.622 --> 09:16.969 service are united , not only by blood 09:16.979 --> 09:19.140 but by a shared dedication to duty , 09:19.150 --> 09:21.840 honor and country . Each generation 09:21.849 --> 09:23.571 carries the torch of service . 09:23.571 --> 09:25.627 Illuminating the path of courage and 09:25.627 --> 09:27.793 sacrifice for those who follow forging 09:27.793 --> 09:29.960 a legacy that shines brightly into the 09:29.960 --> 09:32.239 chronicles of history . My father was 09:32.250 --> 09:34.417 in the army and my uncle served in the 09:34.417 --> 09:36.583 Air Force . It did play an influence . 09:36.583 --> 09:38.694 Yes . My father told me that I had to 09:38.694 --> 09:40.861 join the Air Force . So I was happy to 09:40.861 --> 09:43.000 do so . My grandfather served uh back 09:43.010 --> 09:45.121 during World War two . And other than 09:45.121 --> 09:47.177 that , I'm the the only other person 09:47.177 --> 09:49.177 that has ever joined . So I do have 09:49.177 --> 09:51.288 family that serves um I am a military 09:51.288 --> 09:53.599 brat . I will proudly say that my dad , 09:53.609 --> 09:55.720 he was in the army , he retired , did 09:55.720 --> 09:57.942 army and then he did armor reserve . My 09:57.942 --> 09:59.989 dad served during Vietnam and my 10:00.000 --> 10:01.944 grandfather , both my grandfathers 10:01.944 --> 10:04.056 served in World War Two . So I mean a 10:04.056 --> 10:06.000 lot of family members , both grand 10:06.010 --> 10:09.539 grandpas , uncles , cousins , both of 10:09.549 --> 10:11.660 my parents were in the army . Both of 10:11.660 --> 10:13.882 my parents were active duty , army . My 10:13.882 --> 10:16.049 mother joined the Reserves . My father 10:16.049 --> 10:18.609 did 21 years army . So being an army 10:18.619 --> 10:20.479 dependent and then an air force 10:20.489 --> 10:23.070 dependent , I've only ever been around 10:23.080 --> 10:26.630 the military for 107 years . 10:26.640 --> 10:28.751 Selfridge Air National Guard Base has 10:28.751 --> 10:30.751 woven itself into the fabric of our 10:30.751 --> 10:32.696 nation's defense serving through a 10:32.696 --> 10:34.751 tapestry of courage , commitment and 10:34.751 --> 10:36.918 community . From our humble beginnings 10:36.918 --> 10:39.280 to our towering achievements , we stand 10:39.289 --> 10:41.159 ready as a symbol of strength , 10:41.169 --> 10:43.640 inspiring generations to look up and to 10:43.650 --> 10:45.989 uphold the values of freedom , service 10:46.000 --> 10:47.000 and honor . 10:50.000 --> 10:53.190 My husband's family is here . His mom 10:53.200 --> 10:55.880 works with P A and uh his dad is a 10:55.890 --> 10:59.309 retired chief from uh CC . My mom is 10:59.320 --> 11:01.542 currently serving right now . She is in 11:01.542 --> 11:03.764 services . Um So I definitely made sure 11:03.764 --> 11:06.460 I did not go to that A FSE . Um 11:07.609 --> 11:10.250 So I work alongside my mom here full 11:10.260 --> 11:12.371 time and on the weekends , my husband 11:12.371 --> 11:14.593 is also out here in the Security forces 11:14.593 --> 11:16.649 squadron . Oh , I forgot . He's your 11:16.649 --> 11:18.927 family too . Technically . Yeah . Yeah . 11:19.900 --> 11:22.469 And then , yeah , my dad was , he 11:22.479 --> 11:24.423 originally was stationed up in K I 11:24.429 --> 11:26.700 Sawyer . I also have two brothers , um 11:27.099 --> 11:29.321 crew chief for the A tens and the other 11:29.321 --> 11:31.488 one works in a fe in the ARG . So it's 11:31.488 --> 11:33.869 like a whole family . Business 11:35.739 --> 11:38.619 change is inevitable . It is constant 11:38.630 --> 11:40.852 and it is often accompanied by feelings 11:40.852 --> 11:43.200 of uncertainty , dread and anxiety , 11:43.650 --> 11:45.872 yet hidden within these challenges lies 11:45.872 --> 11:48.099 the potential for growth , renewal and 11:48.109 --> 11:50.520 transformation in a world marked by 11:50.530 --> 11:53.010 flux and evolution . Our ability to 11:53.020 --> 11:55.400 embrace change is not merely a choice 11:55.409 --> 11:57.687 but a pathway to greater possibilities . 11:58.150 --> 12:00.039 Change has been the driving force 12:00.039 --> 12:02.150 behind our greatest achievements . It 12:02.150 --> 12:04.317 is the thread that weaves together our 12:04.317 --> 12:06.428 past , present and future . So let us 12:06.428 --> 12:08.483 welcome change with open arms for in 12:08.483 --> 12:10.739 its embrace , we discover our power of 12:10.750 --> 12:13.570 possibility . A chance to redefine re 12:13.580 --> 12:16.940 invent and reimagine our legacy . As we 12:16.950 --> 12:19.117 reflect on the legacy of Selfridge Air 12:19.117 --> 12:20.950 National Guard Base . Let's look 12:20.950 --> 12:23.061 forward with determination , grit and 12:23.061 --> 12:25.859 purpose . Our mission remains steadfast . 12:26.130 --> 12:28.289 Our legacy is that we have made a 12:28.299 --> 12:28.979 difference .