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Tinker sergeant wins 3rd place in essay contest

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TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  In June, club members Air Force wide submitted essays in hopes of winning one of six scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $6,000.
   Proving that club membership pays, Air Force Clubs gave away $25,000 in scholarships so individuals can continue their education.
   Master Sgt. Bruce Kimball, 349th Recruiting Squadron, took third place in the essay contest, winning a $4,500 scholarship toward finishing his degree.
   "Why Air Superiority is Critical Today"
   by Master Sgt. Bruce Kimball
   Air Superiority is the freedom to attack as well as the freedom from attack. The ability to project air power in both an offensive and defensive attitude provides the president, the secretary of Defense and the combatant commanders an invaluable tool in assuring the health, morale and welfare of Americans is upheld.
   Unfortunately, under current world conditions, a devastating event like Sept. 11, 2001, could reoccur at any time. The Air Force's ability to project air superiority is vital to success and overall victory in war. Air superiority can most effectively be projected by attacking enemy aircraft maintenance and runway facilities.
   In addition, the ability to stifle and/or circumvent enemy warning and detection as well as command and control and air base ground defense sites is critical to the success of the warfighter.
   As one of six Air Force Core Competencies, air superiority combines with information superiority, global attack, precision engagement, rapid global mobility and agile combat support to produce world class military firepower. The Air Force provides the warfighter with two distinctive capabilities. The first is activities that are most effectively employed by air and space forces. The second is missions that are the most profitable for America when carried out by air and space forces.
   Air superiority has flexed its proverbial muscle on many different occasions throughout Air Force history.
   After World War II, Germany was divided into three sections. One of the major sections, Allied, was controlled by the United States.
   During the summer of 1948, the Soviet Union cut all traffic to and from the city of Berlin. This instituted a wave of starvation and stifled business opportunities. President Harry S. Truman initiated The Berlin Airlift, bringing food and necessary supplies into the city.
   The Berlin Airlift was one prime example and the first of many occasions of American air power and humanity on display.
   Fast forward to the present day, and the Air Force continues to follow in the footsteps of those brave Airmen of nearly 60 years ago. Twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week/365 days a year, from desert sands to cold ocean waters, the Air Force helps those in need and intervenes those who have gone astray.
   An Air Force plane can be seen or heard taking off every minute and a half from anywhere on the globe at anytime.
   During The Berlin Airlift our inventory was capable of hauling 10 tons for 4,000 miles. Today, 85 tons can circle the universe without the need to land, thanks to the prowess of in-flight refueling capabilities.
   The multi-faceted capabilities of Air Superiority have safeguarded the national security and interests of the United States of America.
   It has been proven time and time again, just how critical this component of national defense is and how effective it employment can be. This truth will amplify as the Air
Force continues to transition into an Air and Space Expeditionary Force. The Air Force will organize, train, equip and sustain itself with air superiority in the forefront, ensuring success!