Inaugural Doolittle Award

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., toured the war memorials in Arlington National Cemetery June 1, 2011. Fourth Fighter Wing Airmen visited Washington to accept the inaugural Doolittle Award during a ceremony June 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)(Released)

Inaugural Doolittle Award

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., toured the Air Force Memorial prior to accepting the inaugural Doolittle Award June 2, 2011. The Air Force Historical Foundation presented the 4th Fighter Wing with its newest honor, the James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle Award, continuing its tradition of recognizing those who have made significant strides in the contribution to and documentation of air power history. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)(Released)

Inaugural Doolittle Award

WASHINGTON - Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., posed in front of the White House while touring the area June 1, 2011. The 4th Fighter Wing was awarded the inaugural Doolittle Award by the Air Force Historical Foundation June 2, 2011. The James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle Award recognizes a unit that has displayed bravery, determination, discipline, esprit de corps and superior management of joint operations while accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions in multiple conflicts, making a sustained, significant contribution to Air Force history. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)(Released)

Airmen dive into their history

Published June 9, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Samantha Konieczny
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Airmen from Seymour Johnson visited the Nation's Capital to represent the 4th Fighter Wing as the Air Force Historical Foundation honored the wing with the inaugural James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle Award at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., June 2.

Wing leadership and the Airman's Task Force sponsored 56 Airmen from several career fields to attend the award ceremony. Airmen also visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the U.S. Capitol Building and the Arlington National Cemetery to learn more about the Air Force and American history, said Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Joe, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection flight deputy fire chief.

"The trip enhanced professional development in many ways," Chief Joe said. "We visited several historical locations to help Airmen understand our history, which helps them to better understand themselves."

For many of the Airmen, this was their first time visiting D.C. Some walked away with a better understanding of their role in the Air Force. Visiting the Arlington National Cemetery was a highlight of the tour for one Airman.

"It was a good opportunity to see our Nation's Capital and visit the memorial sites for fallen servicemembers and future servicemembers who, unfortunately, will be here as well," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Snyder, 335th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew supervisor.
During the tour, Airmen were thanked for their military service by several citizens.

"We were walking and all the kids were looking at us, smiling and clapping," said Airman 1st Class Alexis Allen, 4th Comptroller Squadron budget and accounting technician. "They didn't know who we were and they definitely didn't know what we do, but they see a sense of accomplishment in us."

According to Airman Allen, the trip helped her understand how the Air Force began, and where it will go in the future.

"I am a firm believer that if you don't know where you came from, you have no clue where you're going; it was a self identification trip," Airman Allen said.

The presentation of the Doolittle Award and the tour helped Airmen understand their Air Force heritage and gain a different perspective of their role in the military and themselves.

"We're all one: one force, one fight," said Airman Allen.