Ashlynn Klomp

Ashlynn Klomp
America, Our Guiding Light
12th Grade

America has long been the guiding light in the world. Our veterans have been the torchbearers of that light since the founding of our country. My dad served for over 20 years in the Air Force, carrying that torch. When he was assigned to live and work in China, there were almost no other US service members present. It was up to him to be that guiding light and example of American leadership, dignity, and morality to our Chinese adversaries. Although he was not allowed to wear his uniform while in China, he made sure all of his colleagues knew who he was and what he stood for. While there, he built bridges, forged friendships, and solidified relationships that lasted for decades.

He was later assigned as the Air Force Attaché to Taiwan, which is the formal liaison between the US and the Taiwanese Air Force. As the senior-ranking Air Force officer and one of only ten service members in Taiwan, he was again responsible for bearing the torch and being America’s guiding light in a foreign country. His work there not only strengthened the relationship between countries, it also helped reaffirm America’s leadership in defusing tense situations in the region. Our family got to move with him to both China and Taiwan, and we saw firsthand how important his work was there, and how well respected America is and was because of his actions and behavior among both colleagues and adversaries. Both respected him and America because of the light he carried.

He was also assigned to the Pentagon and worked in the Air Force’s International Affairs Office. He was again tasked with sharing America’s guiding light with our foreign partners to ensure peace and stability throughout the Pacific region. His work reiterated America’s commitment to human dignity and inalienable rights.

While my dad did some amazing things representing America overseas, he is not the only one. Thousands of our service members live, travel, and work with international partners every day. They, too, bear America’s torch and project her guiding light to every corner of the globe. Each of these service men and women is a hero for portraying America’s guiding light to the world. I am proud to be an American and proud that my dad and other veterans are able and willing to project America’s guiding light to the world.