CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Another new year is now upon us ... 2007 is history. Why is it that we mark the beginning of January differently than the beginning of any other month? I think it's because with each new year we have the opportunity to take inventory of our lives and decide where changes are called for. Many will recognize this tradition as a "New Year's Resolution." I prefer to think of it as dedicating ourselves to a new purpose. Whatever name we attach to this process, it remains largely the same from person-to-person and from year-to-year. That being said, we all have the ability to make 2008 the best yet; it is up to each of us to take advantage of the opportunity.

As everyone knows, 2008 is an election year. Everyone also knows that the immediate future of the military will be determined by our new Commander-in-Chief. We are not, however, helpless pawns in the political game. We all have the opportunity to influence our future ... all we have to do is vote! This is our responsibility as citizens, but as public servants, its stakes becomes more personally relevant. We must discharge our individual responsibilities to determine the future of our national leadership.

In addition to discharging our political responsibilities, we can also use 2008 to make a difference in the Low Country. It is easy to find the spirit of giving within ourselves during the holiday season. It is more difficult, however, to make it a habit. Even seemingly small gestures can mean a great deal to those around you. For those of us in the military, we essentially belong to two local communities: the on-base community and the off-base community. The on-base community is full of opportunities to excel. These range from volunteer opportunities to service organizations to our daily interactions with one another. The off-base community is similarly laden with service opportunities. These include local service organizations, churches, fundraising opportunities and community support groups. If each of us picks one cause from the on-base list and one from the off-base list, just think of the difference we can make in ourselves, our base and our community!

Just as 2007 now belongs to history, so too will 2008 work its way into the past. Unless we seize the opportunity, it will be just another year. If, however, we choose to make a difference, 2008 can indeed be the best year yet!