Reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy Published Jan. 25, 2008 By Col. Al Hunt 375th Airlift Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Throughout my time as the 375th Airlift Wing commander, I have relied on a six-principle leadership philosophy to maximize success at Scott AFB by JTF Scott personnel. As a reminder, they are: Leverage technology, ingenuity, and manpower Employ help from above and enable strength from within Advocate safety and security Demonstrate Core Values Exemplify war-fit readiness Respect needs and views of others While each of these is an essential component of my overall leadership philosophy, my primary focus this week is on the last principle that deals with respect. On Monday, our nation will celebrate the life and teachings of one of America's great civil rights leaders - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King dedicated his life to stamping out injustice and bringing equality to all regardless of race, gender, social class, or religion. His dream of building a better, stronger, and more tolerant America was centered on the belief that every man, woman, and child deserves respect. Like the examples set forth by Dr. King, those who serve in the military also dedicate their lives to bettering this country. We cannot serve this great nation without possessing great respect for not only the rights and needs of our fellow Americans, but also for the people of nations and different cultures around the world. Without a doubt, the reason we remain the world's most formidable military is due to our ability to respect the needs and views of others. When we put on our uniforms, we become "one" as the prefix suggests and work towards a common end state - protecting the democratic ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Gettysburg Address. Our uniforms have no religious, political, gender, or race preference. The fact that we serve to protect our rights to freedom of religion and to vote only stands to accentuate that point. As Dr. King faced adversity on his quest toward the American dream, we too face adversity around the world today. Dr. King paid the ultimate sacrifice in his quest toward justice as are many U.S. military members as they fight to win the Global War on Terror. As you pause to celebrate one of America's greatest heroes this Monday, please reflect on your own responsibility, not only to Dr, King's legacy, but to our nation's relentless pursuit of peace at home and around the world. As we vow to respect the needs and view of others, recommit yourself to fulfilling the American dream while continuing to focus on the busy mission ahead. Thank you, Joint Total Force Scott, for continuing to make our nation stronger everyday.