Diversity Published Feb. 23, 2009 Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- In the following Letter to Airmen dated Feb. 17, 2009, Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force, discussed diversity, and how the strength of the Air Force comes from the diversity of its people. The strength of the Air Force comes from our people - and in large measure from our diversity. We join together from all walks of life to collectively serve our Nation and its flag. Whether Regular, Reserve, Guard or Civilian, all of us take pride in our service, pledging that every action reflects our personal best. We also take pride in each other, bound through our common duty to perform the mission and perform it well. Our motivations to serve are unique. But in joining the Air Force team, each of us commits to the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. It is from our collective obligation to these core values that the Total Force draws its greatest strength. We respect and embrace the diversity of our teammates - recognizing that all are important, and all are valued. Our varied backgrounds and skill sets have prepared us to meet any challenge the Air Force may confront. Across the Service, we represent a broad range of diverse missions, family situations, ethnicities, faiths, races and educational backgrounds. Yet together, this rich tapestry forms the world's finest Air Force drawn from the best talent that America has to offer. I am proud of the work you do on behalf of our great country. Each of us brings a rich heritage, unique experience and compelling personal story - and we are proud of that diversity. As we join together in public service, I encourage you to learn from each other and draw from the unique strengths that your teammates bring to our Service and the Nation. The Air Force continues to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace with some of the most sophisticated equipment known to humankind, but it is you - America's Airmen and civilians - who are the Air Force's heart and soul. Thank you for all that you and your families do, and for your continuing support in leveraging the vast scope of our diverse backgrounds to ensure we remain the world's finest Air Force.