Exercising the right to vote

A photo of an Airman with a rifle.

An Airman from the 355th Wing clears an M-4 carbine rifle during Bushwhacker 20-07 at Davis-Monthan, Nov. 2. 2020. Bushwhacker 20-07, the 355th Wing's dynamic force employment and agile combat employent exercise, demonstrates the ability to wield combat power and rapidly deploy forces to an austere and contested location anywhere, anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Giovanni Sims)

A photo of Airmen getting on a bus.

Airmen from the 355th Wing board a bus during Bushwhacker 20-07 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 2, 2020. Bushwhacker 20-07, the 355th Wing's dynamic force employment and agile combat employment exercise, demonstrates the ability to wield combat power and rapidly deploy forces to an austere and contested location anywhere, anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Giovanni Sims)

Airmen signing for radio equipment

Airmen from the 355th Wing receive communications equipment during Bushwhacker 20-07 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 2, 2020. Bushwhacker 20-07, the 355th Wing's dynamic force employment and agile combat employment exercise, demonstrates the ability to wield combat power and rapidly deploy forces to an austere and contested location anywhere, anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Giovanni Sims)

A photo of Airmen sitting in chairs and listening to a brief.

Airmen from the 355th Wing listen to an orientation brief from U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Turnham, 355th Wing commander, during Bushwhacker 20-07 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov.2 2020. Bushwhacker 20-07, the 355th Wing's dynamic force employment and agile combat employent exercise, demonstrates the ability to wield combat power and rapidly deploy forces to an austere and contested location anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Giovanni Sims)

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --

Airmen from the 355th Wing were given the opportunity to vote during this year’s presidential election, Nov. 3, 2020.  

 Airmen were able to step back from the base’s Dynamic Wing Exercise, and instead, exercise their right to vote.

“It’s important to prepare our Airmen, but also critical that we give them the chance to actively participate in the society they’re defending,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. John L. Kepple, multi-capable Airmen training lead. “We built our whole exercise schedule around letting those individuals and their families go vote and make up the training later.” 

The Air Force’s senior leaders have made it one of their top priorities to take care of their greatest resource, their Airmen. In an effort to meet that priority, Davis-Monthan leadership ensured Airmen were given time to vote for their chosen candidate.

“The 355th Wing is executing its third Dynamic Wing Exercise,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Lyda, 355th Wing command chief. “This exercise will prepare our Airmen to rapidly deploy into contested environments in support of the National Defense Strategy. Additionally, we also get the opportunity to vote for the next president of the United States.”