Over the past few months, the Air Force has made a point of celebrating its diversity, including significant events for Women’s History Month and production of an entire video by senior leadership entitled “Diversity and Equal Opportunity in Our Air Force.”

Notably, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Hawkins Jr. said that the examples he saw in a General Officer inspired him in his career:

I wouldn’t be where I am had I not seen another African American general officer back when I was a second lieutenant, and in so doing I said, ‘Hey, there is room and value for me.’

That same quality of inspiration was noted by Major Nicole Malachowski, the first female to fly as an Air Force Thunderbird, who herself was inspired by female aviators:

It means something for young people on the autograph line to see someone who looks like them. As a Thunderbird I was there to say, ‘of course you can.’

It is a virtual cliche that throughout history, men and women have been inspired when they have seen the success of people who were like them.  This is particularly true when those who have previously succeeded have done so in adverse or hostile environments.  Observing success in someone who shares qualities, values, or physical characteristics can inspire others like them to aim for similar success.

For that same reason, men and women of faith can be inspired when they see successful military officers express their faith.  Some see the military as a harsh environment for faith, whether because of its stereotypical crassness or because of the alleged incongruity between “love and peace” and serving in war.  Regardless, the potential adverse environment that those of faith sometimes experience in the military makes the observation of success of others of faith all the more inspiring.

Regrettably, the occasional hypersensitivity of the military to religious topics may make some averse to publicly acknowledge their faith.  Still, there is nothing either illegal or wrong about a military member of any rank publicly expressing their faith, and many have done so.

No military member of any faith group should fear being publicly associated with his faith.  Rather, they should freely acknowledge their faith, as well as its place in their professional and personal life.  In so doing, they are inspirations to those of like faith who also choose to serve.