This article was written by Robert Baker, 463/2W2 on the occasion of his retirement from the US Air Force, July 2013
What is freedom?
It is our right as American citizens, and it is priceless. There is ultimately one and only one thing defending and preserving our sovereign liberty we hold so precious. Our enemies are relentless. They seek to own us. They seek to overthrow us. They seek to terrorize and destroy us. They think of any possible way to conquer us and they continuously try—perhaps through economic warfare, cyber warfare, information warfare or some other periphery. Terrible as the thought is to them, they even elect to engage us in occasional skirmishes of conventional military combat. So long as they get what they want, they know they can sustain whatever destruction is dealt from such conflicts, save one. They have one final thought that deters them—that one little voice in the deepest recess of their minds that whispers to them in quiet dark and tells them no.
Leave America alone.
One twinkling light that makes our enemies blink and reconsider the all out assault they so feverishly desire. It guards freedom most dear. The last thing they think to themselves as they are going to sleep at night is this: under no circumstance can we win—we cannot withstand the nuclear firepower of the United States of America. And that ladies and gentlemen is what you are. That is what deterrence is all about. You are the nuclear shield that protects our independence. Our families and friends go to bed at night safe from tyranny for one reason. Those with wisdom have always known the reason, but for me, only recently has it really hit home. I hope I have passed on something of worth. I hope I have done my part. I know you will continue serving yours. I leave it to you now to keep us safe at night. I trust you. I thank you. And I salute you.
Robert Baker
Nuclear Weapons Maintainer
United States Air Force, Retired