CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Have you ever felt like you're preaching to the choir? You may be asking, "When will it stop?"
My dad once told me a story about a pastor who kept preaching the same sermon week after week. The congregation became frustrated and finally approached the preacher and asked, "Pastor, why do you keep preaching the same sermon every Sunday?" The preacher responded, "I've been preaching the same thing for so long because I have not seen any change and you don't seem to get it. So until you change your behavior, I'll keep preaching the same thing."
For those of us who have been in the Air Force for a while, we have heard a lot of the same topics "preached" to us. Those are items of importance and it is imperative that we, as Airmen, "get" the message. One topic we keep preaching is that of integrity.
If you ask 100 people to define integrity, you would possibly receive 100 different answers. Honesty and doing the right thing will most definitely be mentioned, but how do we really know what is right? Before we joined the military, our reasoning was already in place. When you look back, can you remember a time where you were dishonest? Did you cheat on a test in school and lie about it when asked? Maybe you were fortunate to have been completely honest and trustworthy. Whatever happened, the weighing of risks and outcomes were learned early when we weren't even aware. Parents and guardians instilled values and morals in us they thought were acceptable.
When we joined the military, our character and identity were already formed. After joining, we needed to relearn or maybe even learn for the first time what integrity was and how it was so vital for our mission success. We adapted to Air Force rules and regulations as a way of life.
Do we have the integrity the Air Force demands? It's time we do an integrity self-inspection:
Dress and appearance
· Do you wear your hat outdoors in uniform?
· Do you wear a T-shirt with something on the back or an unauthorized logo on the front?
· Do you stop talking on your cell phone when you decide to walk while in uniform?
· Do you put your hands in your pockets?
At work
· Do you stay until the end of your duty day, or leave early when the boss is gone?
· Do you take office items home for personal use?
· Was traffic the real reason why you were late?
Duties and responsibilities
· Do you consistently correct others when in violation of regulations?
· Do you report your buddy, or do you cover up his actions?
· Do you stand up when a senior-ranking member enters the room?
At home
· Do you tell your kids you didn't promise something when you did?
· Do you tell your spouse the truth about what really happened on that temporary duty assignment?
Integrity lies deep within, but becomes visible through actions. We wouldn't have a problem with integrity if we made it part of our everyday lives. It should be as natural knowing what side of the road to drive on, which hand to write with or how to walk. We wouldn't have to give excuses if we just did what we were supposed to do. Are you up to it?