I never wasted an opportunity to remind my relatives who were in the military what size I wore so they could keep me supplied in genuine-issue fatigues. When I entered the Air Force, I remember how proud I was when I put on my uniform for the first time. I immediately sent pictures home to my wife and parents so they could see that I was finally wearing the uniform for real. It was then that I started learning what it really means to wear a uniform that represents the armed forces of the United States. People look at you differently when you're in uniform.
Some people show awe, some show fear, but most people show a profound appreciation.
The American people have great respect for the military and anyone associated with it. The military enjoys a lot of credibility with the American people. They trust us. Because of that trust, we have to be careful of what we do, especially when we're in uniform. The Department of Defense and the Air Force have established rules, regulations and guidelines to ensure that the trust the American people place in us isn't misplaced.