Gov. Mark Sanford is right to honor his commitment to the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

After being elected governor in November, Sanford said he might need to change allegiance to put the people of South Carolina first. He wrestled with resigning his commission, or asking for a change in status that would prevent him from being deployed with his unit.

That would have been a mistake.

It would have played into the hands of critics who said Sanford joined the Reserves to look good politically. Sanford was commissioned a first lieutenant in the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron on Jan. 30, 2002. That was nine months after he announced his run for governor, and after it was apparent that many Reserves could be called to active duty in the Middle East. Failure to follow through with his commitment would have given Sanford's critics credibility.

It would have hurt the governor's credibility. A commitment to the Reserves is nothing to be taken lightly. If the governor would renege on that commitment, what else would he back out on?

It also would set a bad example for the state and the nation. Reserves carry a great deal of the burden in America's defense today. It is not easy or convenient for any of them to leave their jobs when called to duty. For many, it presents a financial burden. And it is a hardship to many employers. Reserves simply cannot back out on their commitments, and it is no different for the state governor. He has an essential job, but so do many others who don't consider staying home an option.

Sanford made another point when he announced his decision. He said it was important that his four young sons see both his initial commitment and his follow-through after being elected governor.

In a letter to Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer on Tuesday, Sanford said, "I believe simply that this is consistent with who I am as a person. I've always done what I said I would do. I also think it's about being a dad. I've said from the beginning that I did this because, on a personal level, I wanted to signal to my boys the importance of duty and the fact that there is a real disconnect in our country between the rights and the responsibilities that go with being an American."

Sanford said the state would be in good shape under the leadership of Bauer and the leaders of the House and Senate if he is called to duty.

"I also believe this is consistent with the concept of servant leadership," he wrote. "I have a much bigger responsibility now as governor of South Carolina than I did when I began this process, but ultimately the essence of servant leadership is being available not when you think the time is best, but when you are called."

He made the right call.