CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston,
As we make our way through the holiday season and enter a new year, many of us will make resolutions to lose weight, take college classes, spend more time with our families, and to do many other things in 2009. Whether or not we follow through with our resolutions remains to be seen, but consider my suggestions for a few simple things we can easily accomplish that can make a world of difference in the lives of our fellow Airmen. And we don't have to wait until Jan. 1 to start taking action.
Resolve to better support your Wingmen. Supporting your Wingmen can be as simple as inviting them to enjoy a home-cooked meal, offering to be the designated driver during a social outing, taking the time to learn more about your Wingmen's families and listening to what they have to say. We've all heard how the holidays can be a depressing time for many of us who are serving our country away from family and friends, especially for those new to the Air Force or whose spouse, mom or dad is deployed. Many of us have canceled a trip back home to see our families when the mission needed us to remain behind, so we can relate to the sacrifices we ask our Airmen to make. Sometimes just asking our Wingmen about their holiday plans and being genuinely interested in their lives can provide an opportunity to help them overcome a sense of loneliness or isolation and make them feel appreciated. We'll never be able to measure how many tragedies have been averted just by taking the time to support our Wingmen, but I have no doubt we can help prevent many more just by taking the time to be empathetic.
Resolve to get involved with an activity or effort that makes Team Charleston better. Look for something you would truly like to see succeed and dedicate some of your time to help make it successful. Finding something we feel strongly about is the key; if we're passionate and believe in a particular effort, we're more likely to enjoy dedicating our time to that activity. Helping to make sure we're meeting the needs of our deployed Airmen's families, coaching a youth athletic team, volunteering at your child's school, helping out during a blood drive and several other opportunities are waiting for Airmen like us to get involved.
Resolve to make the most of every assignment we're given. Let's face it: we are sometimes asked to go places or do things which are not at the top of our lists. We may not want to deploy and leave our loved ones behind for extended periods of time. We may feel uneasy when asked to step outside of our comfort zones, stretch our boundaries and take responsibility for high visibility projects. However, if we're not willing to step up when asked to do these types of things, we limit our potential to expand both our knowledge and experience base and to enjoy all the Air Force has to offer.
I had the chance to hear the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Gaylor, speak about this last year at a Chiefs' Recognition Ceremony, and he mentioned that treating every assignment he was given, even those many would consider to be less than desirable, as an opportunity to do good things helped him rise to the pinnacle of the enlisted ranks. We could enjoy similar (or even better) opportunities if we're willing to put forth our best effort at all times.
No matter what you resolve to do better in 2009, I wish you continued success and happiness. Please enjoy the holidays, but do so responsibly; we need each member of Team Charleston back safe and sound in 2009. Happy holidays and happy New Year!