JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
I hope all of you had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving last week. As I stared at my blank computer screen wondering what I was going to say in this article, my mind started to wander over the last 11 years of my career and about all the people who have taught or helped me on my path. I can't help but to be thankful for each and every one of them.
I am thankful first and foremost for my wife Kelli, for without her love and support I could not have made it through my first four months as a squadron commander. I am thankful for my parents, for without their inspiration I would never have joined the military.
I am thankful for Staff Sgt. Yeckley, who showed me how to rebound from adversity. I am thankful for Senior Airman Delong who taught me what being a leader is truly about.
I am thankful for Chief Master Sgt. Holmes and Capt. Rowe for being great mentors to me. I am thankful for Maj. Keller for showing me that field grade officers can still have fun. I am thankful for Col. Foley, for without his belief in me there never would have been a 2nd Lt. Lowe.
I am thankful for the few leaders that showed me how not to lead and for the many leaders that have shown me how it is done. I am thankful for Lt. Col. West for showing me that no matter how bad it gets you can have a smile on your face.
I am thankful for the leadership here at Joint Base Charleston who have faith in me that I can lead my squadron. I am thankful for my Operations Officer, Chief, and First Sergeant, and Unit Program Coordinator, as I would not be able to command without them.
I am thankful for my fellow squadron commanders as they take time to listen and offer sound advice. I am thankful for all the Airmen and civilians in my squadron as they make my job easy and make me proud to be a part of the squadron.
I am thankful for all the men and women who are serving our country at home and abroad who cannot be with their loved ones over the holidays. I am thankful for each and every one of you who teach me about service every day.
By no means is this a complete list, as there are many others out there that have helped me throughout my career and life in one way or another. I hope that each and every one of you takes time throughout the holiday season and give thanks in one way or another for those that have helped you on your path to achieving success.