"Normally, Americans thank our Air Force men and women for the work they do every day serving our great nation," said Maj. Ross McKnight, Air Force Recruiting Service, National Events Branch chief. "But we are flipping the script. We are thanking and saluting the hard working Americans who are working the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic. This includes the grocery store worker, the medical and healthcare staff, the truck driver, the students, and everyone else who is keeping our country going during the pandemic and social distancing to protect one another."
Part of the campaign includes challenging four other Airmen to post a similar video saluting those front line workers.
"We are trying to inspire the nation to remain strong, to acknowledge their sacrifice, and salute them as a thank you for their selfless service," McKnight said. "We are also engaging with the people we serve through social media. Although very important, the recruiting aspect of our mission is not the focus of this campaign."
Air Force Salutes is available to all Airmen and Air Force civilian personnel. If an Airman's hair is not within Air Force grooming standards, due to physical distancing, the Airman can have their uniform hanging neatly in the background, otherwise a uniform being worn is encouraged.
Airmen were given instructions on how to film their Air Force Salutes video and post it to Facebook or Instagram (see attached image). This includes a few video tips to help them produce a quality product. First, speak directly into the camera and introduce yourself. Then recognize a particular person or group in your community and let them know why they play an important role during this time. Conclude the remarks by saying "The U.S. Air Force salutes you. " Finally, salute the camera and say "Aim High."
In the text portion on Facebook or Instagram, explain the subject of your video and challenge four other Airmen by tagging them. Include the hashtags #AirForceSalutes and #AimHigh at the end of your message.
The goal is make #AirForceSalutes and #AimHigh trend and thank the citizens of the United States that the Airmen serve. If you post to Facebook also include @USAirForceRecruiting and for Instagram include @usaf_recruiting in your tags.
The Air Force Salutes campaign is a way Airmen can honor someone in their community who doesn't wear the Air Force uniform but still embodies the Air Force core value of service before self. The instructions to record and post a video tell Airmen and Air Force civilians how to get started and share their appreciation for someone working the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Air Force courtesy image)
