A lasting piece of Enlisted Heritage Remarks by Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley at the Enlisted Heroes Walk dedication Lackland Air Force Base, Texas January 2, 2009 I am honored to be asked to speak this morning at this very special dedication paying tribute to enlisted heroes from our past, present, and future. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the leadership of Air Education and Training Command, 2nd AF and the 37th Training Wing for the funding and tremendous support to see this project through. I have been fortunate to serve in our Air Force for almost 30 years. In those 30 years, my proudest moment occurred on Oct. 14, 2006, when we dedicated our Air Force Memorial to the more than 55,000 Airmen who have laid down their lives for our country. Today marks my second proudest day, because we are dedicating this Enlisted Heroes Walk to honor our enlisted heroes who have given so much, who still inspire us today, and will continue to inspire every Airman who will march over this hallowed ground from this day forward. In the 500 steps it takes to complete the bomb-run lives will change and dreams will be realized. Airmen will be born. Lackland AFB is the enlisted Gateway to the Air Force. It is fitting this parade field was chosen to be the location for this heroes walk. The Airmen that attend Basic Military Training have answered our nation's call. Graduation Day is a very special day for them, their families, and indeed our Air Force. This is a day they will never forget. As of today, it is now even more special. As our Airman's Creed states: "We are faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor." It begins here. I expect every Military Training Instructor to educate their recruits throughout their 8.5 weeks of training about the immense privilege they will earn on graduation day as they march across these engraved bricks. Every brick is emblazoned with the name of a remarkable American Airman. Heroes like Staff Sgt Maynard Smith, Tech. Sgt Forrest Vossler, Staff Sgt Archibald Mathis, Staff Sgt Henry Irwin, Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger, Airman 1st Class John Levitow, Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger, Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, Tech. Sgt John Chapman, Tech. Sgt Tim Wilkinson, Staff Sgt Gabrial Brown, and Tech. Sgt Bradley Reilly. These are only a few of the names engraved on the bricks before us. Every name has a story, every name has a family, and every name is a lasting piece of our Enlisted Heritage. They also share another common bond, having all marched here, where you will soon lay your feet -- our Enlisted Heroes Walk. What an honor it is to be a part of this day, to serve the nation I love, and to be an American Airman. (Archives)