Airmen read their way to brighter Air Force future

by Senior Airman Aja Heiden
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

10/2/2014 - HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE Fla. -- General Mark A. Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, called on Airmen to submit suggestions for the 2015 Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force Professional Reading Program, which was created as a way of developing Airmen.

The goal of this reading program is to develop a common frame of reference among all Air Force members.

Each year the reading list centers on themes of leadership, strategic context, forward thinking and military heritage.

"As a whole, the reading list is very relatable, "said Senior Airmen Giovanny Figueredo, air transportation technician for 70th Aerial Port Squadron here.

The program aids in the development of Airmen, from the most junior enlisted to the senior officer.

"The CSAF 2014 reading list was established to teach understanding and comprehension of key values to every Airmen, like leadership and compassion," said Figueredo. "The entire list offers a new perspective on how to be a better Airmen and overall person."

The past years have brought recommendations for books, articles, films, art work and Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) talks that tell stories of prisoners of war, embody the core values, and give life to the stories of service members.

"A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II" by Adam Makos is a book from last year's reading list which demonstrates a characteristic today's Airmen can learn from.

"This was a book I found to be very meaningful," said Chief Master Sgt. Katdo Robinson, 482nd Fighter Wing acting Command Chief Master Sergeant. "It's about a German airman who displayed great courage and saved the life of an American Airman in World War II. I'm about doing the right thing. It might not be the most popular choice, but this is something I live by."

Robinson advises Airmen to read the books on the upcoming 2015 reading list.

"The material seems to correlate with the times and expand on what's going on in the Air Force," said Robinson.

Although the recommended material discusses a theme relevant to today's Air Force, it also describes victories and battles from the past.

"The biggest benefit from the materials on the reading list is the historical education they provide," said Robinson. "It helps Airmen understand how we arrived where we are and see the evolution from 1947 to the current war fighter in 2014."