Commander's Corner: Sept. 13, 2013 Published Sept. 12, 2013 By Commentary by Col. Mark August 374th Airlift Wing YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- September is a unique month for the Air Force. It marks the anniversary of our service's founding and the anniversary of a day that motivated many Airmen to join. We saw several Airmen recommit themselves this week to their service. On Wednesday, Yokota Airmen honored fallen firefighters at our 9/11 memorial tower run, and last night our newest class of Airman Leadership School graduates reaffirmed their pledge to serve. These events mark but a few opportunities this month for Team Yokota to reflect on what drove us to take the oath of service. Next Friday, we will honor our POW/MIA brethren at a ceremony here at wing headquarters, and the following night we will pay homage to our proud heritage at the Air Force Ball. I can hardly think of a more appropriate time for Airmen to pause and consider why they joined the Air Force. The profession of arms calls on us to protect and defend our nation and its allies. This extraordinary undertaking requires an uncommon drive that unifies us as Airmen here at the Best Wing in the Pacific.