“Why We Serve:” A calling for Dover Airmen to share their story with America’s public

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Airmen here, who are willing to share their story with the Nation, now have an opportunity to be nominated by their chain of command to participate in a national civic outreach program.

The 'Why We Serve' program is an opportunity for Team Dover and all U.S. servicemembers to share their experience of serving their country directly with the American public.

"Why We Serve is designed to communicate the day-to-day sacrifices made by every member of the Armed Forces in the long war; not necessarily to recognize uncommon courage under fire," said Jacqueline Devine, Air Mobility Command public affairs communications integration chief. "Nominees, however, should have a compelling story to tell."

With the help of commanders, first sergeants and supervisors, Team Dover Airmen with war-related stories to tell, can be identified and nominated to participate in the program.

"This is a prime opportunity for our Airmen to share their stories and experiences directly with the American public," said 1st Lt. Christina Sukach, 436th Airlift Wing public affairs chief. "It's a chance for Dover's Airmen to explain first-hand how they support the Global War on Terror every day by accomplishing our wing's mission."

When American families send their young men and women off to serve the Nation, they should know what is going on downrange, she said.

"This program provides Airmen a chance to tell the public the reasons why they serve," said the lieutenant. "Also, it allows those not in uniform to gain insight into the men and women who serve them in the defense of this Nation."

The chain of command is the key to identifying and nominating their Airmen to participate in the program, said Lieutenant Sukach. All nominators have to do is fill out a nomination letter and forward it the 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office, which will send the letters to Air Mobility Command.

Additional guidance and copies of nomination forms can be found by contacting the 436th AW Public Affairs Office on base or at the following Web site: http://www.afoutreach.af.mil/shared/media/
document/AFD-070802-062.pdf

Completed nomination forms can be submitted via e-mail to the 436th AW Public Affairs Office at 436aw.pa@dover.af.mil.

The "Why We Serve" program was established by former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Secretary Rumsfeld and General Pace felt the best way to communicate with the American people was to send servicemembers to their hometowns when they return from overseas to talk directly to community organizations about their experience.

Members from the Air National Guard and Reserves are welcome; however, the DoD cannot support mobilization exclusively for the purposes of the program.