CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Do you remember the last time someone from the community said, "Thank you for serving" or "Thanks for a job well done?"
How did that make you feel? If you're like me, a comment like that makes my entire week. How often do you think someone comes up to you during your week and says, "Thank you?"
Over the course of two weeks, I decided to track how many people approached me. The results of my data poll not only shocked me but my family as well. They were with me during most of these random acts of kindness.
Twenty-three people either approached me and shook my hand, offered supportive words or took care of my tab during lunch or dinner. There is even a gas station near my home which refuses to let me pay for my morning cup of coffee. The woman behind the counter always tells me, "Coffee is cheap, but our freedom is priceless thanks to you."
How can I ever repay them? Well, I am ... every day by showing up to work and defending my nation. We all volunteer to make the ultimate sacrifice and give up certain freedoms to defend this great nation. More importantly we have chosen to live by a code greater than ourselves. These promises should never be taken lightly because someone notices every day what you are doing for them and the United States of America.
It's been nearly six years since the United States suffered its largest terrorist attack on home soil. That day is never far from my mind. I keep it close because this has been the ultimate endurance race -- one which I plan on completing. Whether you're active-duty members, Reservists, Guardsmen or civil servants, you've all been asked to do more than ever before with far less resources and manpower.
How do you keep the Armed Forces motivated for the long term? Well, sometimes the smallest acknowledgment and reward for hard work are the greatest motivators. This is a critical component of organizational leadership at all levels. In John Maxwell's, 25 Ways to Win With People, he lists several key actions people can take to show others the goodness they represent daily. Some of these keys are: encourage the dreams of others, do for others what they can't do for themselves, be the first to help, add value to people and write notes of encouragement. The latter key affected me in a very personal way.
During the past 6 years, I've held onto one very special note which was given to my roommate and me shortly after September 11. This note was from my landlord when I was stationed at Fairchild AFB, Wash. The note read:
"Kathy and I have chosen to thank you for defending our freedom by your choice to be active military. Without your willingness to lay it all on the line, we would not and could not enjoy the life we lead. Thank you. Please accept this month of October as rent-free.
With care and admiration,
Gene and Kathy"
You would think the free rent for the month was the biggest reward, but this note meant more to me than any dollar value. I have carried this note with me on every combat sortie I've ever flown as a reminder of why I have chosen to do what I do. I feel it's important to have this reminder with me at all times because it's far easier to become overwhelmed by the negative media, long hours, or perhaps when my attitude is not in the right frame of mind. This note provided me the daily reminder of why it's so important to stay focused on the mission.
Our mission today is bigger than ourselves and we will not complete it without the support of our teammates, leadership and community. Whether you're serving at the dining hall, processing cargo or keeping our Airmen fit to fight, we all have a purpose greater than ourselves.
Don't ever forget that an entire community supports us daily in our efforts against the Global War on Terrorism. Don't ever take for granted what you do every day. There will always be someone in your community or organization who notices the hard work and dedication you put forth daily.