FACES OF THE FORCE

摘要

One Airman's grassroots initiative to lift up Air Force basic trainees during an unprecedented moment in history has grown into a global movement. Airman 1st Class Cailey Brislin, who works in the 434th Squadron Aviation Resource Management at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, was inspired to start the "Letters to Lackland" initiative in April after rediscovering encouraging notes she'd received while completing Basic Military Training at JBSA-Lackland, Texas. Brislin hoped to help these trainees feel less alone at a time when the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has them going through 14-day Restrictions of Movement, practicing social distancing, and even spending time living in an on-base tent city. Since the effort kicked off last month, more than 50 Airmen in the U.S. and abroad have agreed to pen paper-based pep talks to these potential future Airmen. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright even endorsed the effort on Twitter, creating a #LettersToLackland hashtag.