Live Strong! Published March 5, 2012 By Maj. David Dersch 908th Airlift Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- At the age of 25, before he ever won the first of what would become a record seven Tour de France bicycle races, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer. He successfully overcame the disease, and one of the ways he did so was by having an upbeat spirit. He refused to give in to despair! To raise money for his cancer foundation after winning his battle, he had a yellow silicon gel wrist band designed and imprinted with the words "live strong," a constant reminder to live life to its fullest. Our wing received some very tough news recently about the retirement of our C-130s, scheduled for FY 2014. You may be wondering what the future holds for you personally and your military service. There are still a lot of unanswered questions and details that Congress, the Air Force, and AFRC have yet to work out. Until they do, follow Armstrong's example and "live strong!" We can't control the decisions that others will make, but we can control how we respond in our attitude and day-to-day service. Let us band together, encouraging each other to "live strong," supporting one another and drawing inspiration from each other. Let us not throw in the towel, even if our worst fears are realized. And let us keep in mind the words God said to the Hebrew military leader Joshua: "Be not afraid, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!"