Airmen graduate from leadership school Published Feb. 21, 2008 Airman Leadership School TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Airman Leadership School 08-C class recently graduated. Those winning awards are: John Levitow Award: Senior Airman Jonathan L. Sumerlin, 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Academic Award: Senior Airman Sarah K. Sundeen, 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron Leadership Award: Senior Airman Joshua A. Rognstad, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron Freedom Citation Award: Senior Airman Lacey R. Howell, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron Distinguished graduates: Senior Airman Clinton W. Hammons, 32nd Combat Communications Squadron; Senior Airman Joshua A. Rognstad, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron; Senior Airman Sarah K. Sundeen, 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron; Senior Airman Brittany L. O'hara, 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron Freedom Citation by Senior Airman Lacey R. Howell, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron Webster's Dictionary defines freedom as the ability to act freely; a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he/she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions. Freedom means so much more than any one person can write in a single sentence. Our forefathers wrote, July 4th 1776, that every person shall have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In my opinion, this phrase is the closest summary of what freedom means. I believe that we, as Americans, have a duty to uphold what our forefathers had envisioned for us. We are all free to love, laugh, learn and believe. The freedom to love...there are 2.4 births per second in the United States. There is no greater gift, than the one given from God. The moment your baby is put in your arms, there is an instant bond. A love so great, nothing can break it. You look into their eyes and you have so many dreams for them. One day they will find someone special. Not have someone selected for them, but they will choose. In a lot of countries, pre-arranged marriages are common. They are based on family and economical status. Not in the United States, they have the freedom to make that choice for themselves. Freedom. The freedom to laugh...amidst some of the hardest times in a persons' life, the sound of laughter can uplift them. Have you ever gone to the park on a Sunday afternoon, closed your eyes, and basked in the sound of a child's laughter? There are places in the world where these activities can not be displayed in public. A natural human emotion, controlled. Governments' have the power to tell you that you can not be happy. The government's success is their only concern. Freedom. The freedom to learn...every person has the opportunity to seek knowledge. Kindergarten is what every 6 year old looks forward to. On their first day of school some cry, some run to the school bus, and others can't wait to see their parents tail lights disappear in the distance. Parents' bumpers are full of honor roll stickers. Certificates and diplomas start to fill the walls of their homes. Soon their children are marching across the stage to Pomp and Circumstance. A lot of countries do not afford children the opportunity to go to school. They would rather keep their citizens uneducated, lessening the chance of being challenged. Freedom. The freedom to believe...in God, Allah, Jehovah, it's your choice. No one is going to tell you who or what to have faith in. You don't have to believe in anything if you choose not to. You don't have to blow yourself up to show your faith. You don't have to live in fear of having your family murdered because you speak freely of your god. Freedom. These are just some of the things that the United States has given to you. These are just some of the things that soldiers are dying for everyday. It is a nation built upon freedom that has given you the right to burn our Flag. It is freedom that has given you the right to protest the war. It is freedom that has given you the right to picket in front of a fallen soldier's funeral. So, as you sleep warm in your bed tonight, remember...Freedom is not Free!