Never forget to say thank you Published July 21, 2010 By Maj. Anthony L. Linton 436th Maintenance Operations Squadron DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- I always, without fail, try to see the glass as half full. When things aren't going according to my plan, I use that experience as a tool to teach me what I could have done better. When people I love and respect are enduring difficult times, I try with all my heart to internalize their struggle and be there for them. I then use what I have seen to be a better husband, father, son, co-worker, or friend. When something I say or do is misinterpreted, even though I may have had nothing but the best intentions, I look inward at my actions to see what I did wrong, as to not make the same mistake again. When I was approached to write this article, I had to overcome my angst about writing an article for God and the world to see. As I always try to do, I had to figure out what the silver lining behind my fear of public writing would be. After much deliberate thought, I accepted this opportunity as a once in a lifetime chance to tell the men and women on Dover Air Force Base, in mass, how much I personally value the sacrifices made by all of the families that support us each day. Our families make it possible for all of us to do the work our nation so desperately needs done, whether it be long deployments, multiple Permanent Change of Stations, or 12-hour work days. Our families enable us to focus on our mission, while they do the work that all too often goes unacknowledged and underappreciated. With that in mind, I implore all of you to never miss an opportunity to say "Thank You". It's hard to believe something as simple as a sincere and heart-felt "I Love You", can make a tough day immeasurably better to someone who's been working their fingers to the bone. And always take the time to say "I appreciate all that you do". Our families don't need much, just to know that their efforts are appreciated by those for whom they work so hard. Just this morning, I officiated four reverse dignified transfers honoring our fallen heroes. One of which was escorted by two brothers who where seeing their baby brother to his final resting place. As I spoke with them and saw the pain and anguish in their eyes, I wondered what they would say to him if they had one last chance to speak. What words would they use to convey their feelings, knowing this would be the last time they would ever be given the chance. And what would they do if they could reach out to touch and hold him once again. I don't know, I will never know, and should never know. But what I do know is that when you go home, you have the opportunity to do what these men will never get the chance to do again. You have one more chance to say and do what they will never EVER get to do again. Don't waste it! Finally, to all of the families at Dover Air Force Base ... Thank you.