Letter: America has problems but is the greatest nation on Earth

The Bible teachers in 1 Corinthians 14:10 that there are many voices in the world and none of them are without signification or meaning. So, I wish to add my voice. I worked 23 years in the Air Force. Those were the best years I experienced. I went in as a black youth with no confidence or get up and go. I left family and friends and embarked on a journey that would change my life. When I signed up, I was determined to be in the Air Force for at least 20 years. Many of my fellow airmen would talk about how many days before their enlistment was up. But I counted how many days before I could re-enlist.

I was taught how to become a person of discipline, have self-confidence and to obey the rule of law. I was given clarity and a sense of direction. When it was time to advance, I was shown the tools I needed to advance in rank and my career field. It was left up to me to gather and study those tools. The Air Force taught me to either lead, follow or get out of the way.

Did I encounter prejudice along the way? Most definitely. Did it stop or hinder me? No. It was my goal to become the best Security Force Member possible. So, if you wanted the job done and done correctly, you had no choice but to call on me despite my skin color. The lessons I learned are still working in my life today.

So, I add my voice to the chorus of voices out there. But my voice says thank you, America. We have problems, but in my eyes, this is the greatest land on the earth.

MINISTER ROBERT JOHNSON

Sumter