Teamwork

  • Published
  • By Maj. Melissa Brown
  • 436th Security Forces Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  We have all heard the saying "walk a mile in somebody else's shoes", but odds are not many of us have actually done it. You may have noticed personnel in flight suits assisting with morning traffic at Dover Air Force Base's, Del., main gate last Tuesday morning. Lt. Col. Charles Velino, Capt. Craig Kinkade and Staff Sgt. Ryan Thompson, all members of the 3rd Airlift Squadron, asked for the opportunity to assist Team Dover's defenders with morning traffic. The men and women of the 436th Security Forces Squadron appreciate the 3rd AS and the Top Three leaning forward to help out and lighten our load at the gates.

Walking a mile - or a couple of hours in this case - in somebody else's shoes reaped the most obvious result of expediting morning traffic into the installation. Whether this situation or the numerous others we encounter day-to-day, there are many positive outcomes to this type of -teamwork if we only take the time to notice.

Standing post at a base gate for 12 hours is very tedious and thankless work. Walking in Team Dover's defenders' shoes gives an understanding of what they go through every day. Many drivers see the gate guards as nothing more than an annoyance; if the drivers speak, it's normally short and sharp. It is amazing what a high point a driver can be to an Airman's day just by taking the time to look them in the eye, say a kind word, or wish them a nice day. Almost everyone who helped with gate traffic makes this observation, and it definitely reminds them to be more courteous during future interactions with the gate guards.

When a team shares work among themselves, individuals perform better because they gain support of their teammates, and the overall work does not seem as daunting. This certainly encourages Team Dover's defenders, lets them know they are supported, and fosters mutual respect with other Team Dover members. Good teams minimize weaknesses of individuals and help all achieve an increasing degree of self improvement. The very core of our Air Force journey is to advance the team through mutual growth, success and respect.

We have all worked in places where we dreaded getting up in the morning and going to work, but a few of us have experienced the pleasure of working as part of a team that made you feel like you could do anything. This is extremely important considering the vastness and the very nature of the work we do every day. We are the world's greatest Air Force because we are a highly effective team.

Not all of us have the opportunity to physically step-up and work shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Airmen, but I encourage you to think about how important respect and teamwork are as you go through your day. Take the time to acknowledge the contributions of your fellow Airmen and improve Team Dover.