The benefits of “thank you” Published May 22, 2012 By Lt. Col. Charlie Velino Commander, 3rd Airlift Squadron DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Have you heard the old adage, "with age comes wisdom"? I have...often, and it's usually from people significantly older than me. Sadly, the list of people older than me is getting smaller, and surprisingly, the amount of unsolicited wisdom I offer is getting larger. Not sure if it's really wisdom, or just my convictions based on experience, but regardless, I talk a lot. As I've aged, and talked, I've found the words "thank you" tend to come out of my mouth a whole lot more than they used to. I've also found that people seem a bit more interested in what I have to say when I'm thanking them for whatever it is they've done. If you take the time to notice, it turns out a great majority of every day we benefit in some way from something that others do for us. Also turns out, if we take the time to say "thank you", those folks tend to be just a bit happier about doing it. Not sure when it was, or exactly what triggered it, but somewhere along the way I've learned to really appreciate the things that others do for me. Makes no difference if they're supposed to, they have to, they want to, or they need to.I am extremely grateful to those who make my life easier, better or more enjoyable. Whether they do it because it's their job, or as a random act of kindness, I benefit either way. So thank you, truly, to everyone out there doing what it is you do. I offer one quick example to help get my point across. I have an 8-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son at home. Never in my young "pre-kid" life could I have imagined the amount of quality service my wife and I would provide each and every day to allow the two of them to experience life to the fullest. Food, money, clothing, entertainment, baseball, basketball, gymnastics, car rides and sleep-overs occur at a dizzying rate. We've tried our best to instill manners and have them verbalize gratitude, but let's face it, kids will be kids. I have on more occasions than I care to mention been run completely ragged by their schedule, and when it doesn't seem to be appreciated, my energy and patience will dry up in a hurry. But when either kid remembers to throw out a well timed "thank you,"I feel better, the work seems easier and sometimes I actually try a little harder. Try to keep that in mind as you hurry through your day today. Say thanks to the defenders at the gate who check your ID to ensure our base is safe. Say thanks to the clerk at the Shoppette for allowing you to get your morning coffee or Friday afternoon beer. Say thanks to all the Team Dover members who help you do what it is you need to do. Say thanks each and every time someone does something that makes your life a bit easier, better or more enjoyable. You'll feel better, and so will they.