CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Do you have a split personality? Are you one person on duty and another when you're not at work?
I knew a young Airman who, when at work, seemed the epitome of the Air Force core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. He never failed to impress everyone around him with his professional excellence, courtesy and dedicated service he continuously displayed.
Despite long hours in all weather conditions, he never complained and always performed his duties in a superb manner. Frankly, this young Airman motivated me. How could I complain about poor working conditions, extra duties and endless meetings I had when he was doing whatever was asked of him everyday, in all conditions, without hesitation?
So, you can imagine my shock when I heard he'd been caught driving under the influence of alcohol. I was glad to hear he hadn't killed or injured himself or anyone else. However, I knew he'd just severely curtailed his career, lost several thousand dollars and his base driving privileges. Perhaps most importantly, he'd lost the hard-earned respect of his co-workers.
What happened? This didn't sound like the professional Airman I knew. He would never have done this at work. Why would he not uphold the same values off duty as he exemplified on the job? Was it because his supervisor wasn't there?
He had two companions with him who could have prevented him from getting behind the wheel after he had been drinking. They could have also reminded him to use the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, but they chose not to. I'm sure they would have said or done something to help if something similar happened at work. This incident demonstrated the polar opposite of integrity, service before self and excellence.
The truth is when you joined the military, you chose a way of life that doesn't allow you to select when you'll follow the core values and when you won't. Air Force members are subject to duty 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. They must be ready to report for duty at any hour, at any location and remain as long as necessary to get the job done.
The Air Force mission necessitates more restrictive rules and standards than normally found in civilian life.
You don't have to drive under the influence of alcohol to demonstrate a lack of integrity. While driving off base I often see fellow blue-suiters speed dangerously past me well in excess of the posted speed limit, only to follow them onto base where they abide by the limits when under the scrutiny of our security forces.
What does that say about a person? It shows disregard for our values and a complete lack of concern for the safety of others as well as yourself. Our core values are essential to the preservation of valuable Air Force equipment and resources, the protection and safety of our people and our very existence as an effective institution. These fundamental and timeless values, integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do, form the bedrock of our force. It is crucial that Airmen share a common understanding of these values and live by them 24/7.
Use these values and apply the passion, trust and pride to keep us the world's finest air and space force. You owe it to the Air Force, your co-workers, your family and yourself.