SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Character is what made Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a champion of civil rights for all Americans, regardless of race, creed, color or any other label attached to a person or group of people.

Character is what drove Col. Michael Anderson to become an astronaut and keep the integrity that has made this nation's space program a success.

It is also what Lt. Col. Derrick Green, this year's speaker at the MLK luncheon Jan. 12 at the Sheppard Club, said has made and continues to make the United States Air Force the best in the world.

"Our core values show content of character," Colonel Green said. "Content of character is a cornerstone of the Air Force."

He went on to give examples of Dr. King's personal character, like his support of the U.S. military even though he was nonviolent.

"Dr. King was in favor of America's right to defend itself, contrary to popular belief," Colonel Green said. "For us military (members), it's important to focus on this (kind of) content of character. Remember it's not about you, it's about a greater cause."

After speaking about Dr. King, Colonel Green went on to talk about a friend of his who showed great content of character as well.

Colonel Anderson was the payload commander for the Space Shuttle Columbia during it's tragic final mission and a long-time friend of Colonel Green.

"When I applied for astronaut training, he (Colonel Anderson) was on the selection board," Colonel Green said. "He told me that when my application came across his desk, he wouldn't look at it. He said he'd give it a 10 automatically and couldn't do that because he did not want to compromise the integrity of the astronaut program."

Colonel Green said the day the shuttle crashed, Colonel Anderson's wife Sandy Anderson showed great content of character.

"He inspired that kind of character in his family," Colonel Green said.

Colonel Green also talked about what he called the "four P's," which he thinks is important in your life.

The first "P" is a great prayer life.

The second is process. Colonel Green said it doesn't matter what you do, but how you do it, too.

"The end does not always justify the means," he said.

The third is program. He said to develop a program that has a sound foundation.

Finally, he said to focus on the greater good, which is part of the last "P," philosophy.

Colonel Green closed by saying to make what you do count.

"A lot of people have invested a great deal in you," Colonel Green said. "A lot of people have given their life for you. Make sure that investment is returned 10 fold."

Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, commander of the 82nd Training Wing, then gave his thanks to Colonel Green, and all those involved in putting together there luncheon.

General Devereaux also gave Colonel Green a warning.

"We're looking for a great speaker for our annual awards banquet and we know your number," General Devereaux said.

In his closing remarks General Devereaux made note of Dr. King's importance to today's military.

"We can't be a great Air Force unless we're able to draw on the strengths and qualities of all of us," General Devereaux said. "That is what Dr. King should remind of us today."