Shirt’s Corner: My road trip to success

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tracy Boucher
  • 436th Security Forces Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - --  As I sat in front of friends, family, coworkers and mentors during my promotion ceremony to master sergeant, I listened to retired Chief Master Sgt. Larry Gonzales review my career and wondered, "have I really done all I could do for the United States Air Force?"

That evening as I reflected on the day's events, I realized I had reached the goal I had set for myself 16 years prior and was about to realize my goal of becoming a First Sergeant. However, I wondered why it didn't feel like I had always imagined it would. Then realization set in: I had spent so much time focused on getting there that I had forgotten a few things.

Most importantly, I forgot to thank those around me for my success. My family, friends, mentors, coworkers, and yes, my Airmen, had worked very hard to help me realize my dream. As I sat thinking about them, I was at a loss to remember when last I had said "thank you" to even one of them for my success. We say thank you all the time, but do we really thank those who have helped drive the car on our 'cross country trip'?

I forgot to enjoy the ride along the way. I couldn't remember the last time I looked out the "I have got to make master sergeant" window and took note of the view. Had I done so, I may have noticed the withering grass and dead leaves. I wonder who forgot to water them? Could it have been me?

I forgot to take myself a little less serious and my responsibility to my Air Force a little more serious. Day-to-day routine and my acceptance of "almost right" had overpowered that once strong desire to make my Air Force a stronger ride for our Airmen. Rust had caused the road to show through the floor boards and I hadn't taken time to help fix the holes.

I forgot to do a little self-reflection. My failure to practice self-reflection allowed me to lose my grip on why I started my 'cross country trip.' Why was my dream to become a master sergeant? Why was my dream to become a first sergeant? What had I hoped to do with it once it was a reality? Then realization once again set in: It is never too late to be who you dreamed to be!

So, I picked up my stripes, dusted them off and placed them proudly on my sleeves. Now, I remember to sincerely thank those who pushed me to be my best and those who kicked me in the tail pipe when I was not doing my best. Now, I remember to look out the window and stop instead of driving by withering grass and dead leaves; who knows when they've had their last drink of water. I remember that a strong ride means fixing the holes before the rust eats the floor from under our seats.

And I remember - 16 years ago, I had hoped to do all I could do for my United States Air Force; now, I am a master sergeant who loves her job as a first sergeant, and I will never forget where my dream started.