Living our core values Published Feb. 1, 2007 By By Maj. Jenny Voss and Capt. Sean Marshall 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- With the Air Force vision focusing on the future and making provisions to better equip the warfighter, it is important to remain vigilant, support change and look for ways to do things better, trim excess and continue to build a leaner, more fit expeditionary force. This effort requires significant change, ranging from how we prepare for and conduct peacetime and contingency operations on a global scale, to how we apply more streamlined business practices in our daily operations. One way we can help ease the effects of change is by focusing on the Air Force Core Values. Webster defines "core" as "The central or innermost part of anything," and "value" as "The social principles, goals or standards held or accepted by an individual, class or society." Simply put, Air Force Core Values are at the center of defining how our Air Force functions. These important values are the standards by which Air Force professionals live. They are at the heart of the Air Force and what its members stand for. As Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley tells us, "Each of us are men and women of character volunteering as Airmen. Our Core Values - integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do - provide a touchstone as we rise to meet current and future challenges."Air Force Core Values should not be viewed as typical responsibilities; they should be the impetuous that challenges us to grow, limit patterns of mediocrity and foster esprit de corps. As America's Airmen, it is our responsibility to advocate the moral high ground; this can easily be accomplished by living out our core values. Integrity is our conscience, the basis of trust. It is important to emphasize that integrity is more than telling the truth or keeping a promise. It involves a fundamental commitment to live out one's values. Responsibility, accountability, honesty and fairness are a few of the terms that we think of when defining "integrity." Each term contains attributes that no leader - commissioned, noncommissioned or civilian - would want to be found without. "Service before self," a common phrase in the Air Force community, often reminds us of our goals and objectives in our military lives. Air Force personnel dedicate themselves to being a small part of a much larger organization. We are an agile force performing our duties in locations around the globe - some friendly, some not. Our members make the commitment to put their lives on the line when called upon so that others may enjoy the freedom on which America was founded. These commitments are not small, yet Air Force personnel readily accept the challenge and find the motivation to repeatedly put service to their country before themselves. "Excellence in all we do" is the attribute each of us should strive for every day. In today's high-tech world, success is frequently defined by how fast a process can be completed instead of how efficiently. "Excellence in all we do" requires a passion for each and every task we attempt. This applies not just to work, but to our family lives, spiritual growth, educational pursuits and leisure activities. If something is worth doing, we owe it to ourselves and those around us to do it to the best of our ability. Core values exist for all members of the Air Force family; they are for all of us to read, understand and cherish. Core values are much more than minimum standards and simple rules. Core values remind us of what it takes to get the mission done safely and efficiently, while continuing to focus on effectiveness. Our core values should inspire us to do our very best at all times, even when no one is looking. Core values are the common bond among all comrades in arms, the glue that unifies the force and reminds us of our sworn duty to support and defend this great nation.