Homefront Honors Oklahoma's Military Men And Women

The United States Army

The United States Army counts its birthday as June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.  Soldiers have fought in 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the current War on Terrorism.  The United States Army is made up of an active duty component, the Regular Army; and reserve components: the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve.  

The Army Emblem, approved by The Secretary of the Army in 1974, symbolizes ideals associated with the U.S. and the Army.  Blue symbolizes loyalty, vigilance, perseverance and truth.  Red denotes courage, zeal and fortitude.  White alludes to deeds worthy of remembrance.  Black indicates determination and constancy.  Gold represents achievement, dignity and honor.

The United States Navy

The official birthday of the United States Navy is October 13, 1775, by authority of the Continental Congress.  The U.S. Navy includes battle force ships, submarines, amphibious warfare ships, aircraft and carriers.  The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining free of the seas.

Naval core values are honor, courage and commitment.  The value of honor includes accountability for professional and personal behavior and maintaining an uncompromising code of integrity.  Courage is the value that provides moral and mental strength to do what is right in the face of temptation or adversity.  The day-to-day duty of every man and woman in the Department of the Navy is commitment to teamwork and respect, as well as professional, personal and spiritual improvement.

The United States Marine Corps

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved that "two Battalions of Marines be raised," establishing the official birth date of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps' ability to respond rapidly to crises has made it an important branch of the military, serving on land, sea and air.

The Marines are known for their slogans "Ductus Exemplo," or Leadership by Example, and "Semper Fidelis," - Always Faithful.  The Marine Corps emblem is the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.  The eagle stands or a proud country, the globe signifies world-wide service, and the anchor signifies naval tradition.   

The United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard, established January 28, 1915, is a military, multi-mission, maritime service within the Department of Homeland Security and one of the nation's five armed services. Its core roles are to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic and security interests in any maritime region in which those interests may be at risk, including international waters and America's coasts, ports, and inland waterways.

The Coast Guard provides a distinctive blend of military, humanitarian, and civilian law-enforcement capabilities.  The Coast Guard's motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready."

The United States Air Force

The United States Air Force was established as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947.  It is the largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world, operating military combat aircraft, helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft.  The majority of Air Force members serve on the ground in support positions necessary for military success.

The Air Force lists a strong commitment to three values: "Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do."  The Air Force mission consists of defending the United States and its global interests to fly and fight in air, space and cyberspace.

Sources: www.army.mil;  www.navy.mil; www.usmc.mil; www.uscg.mil; www.airforce.com; and www.wikipedia.org.