Teamwork essential to success in all walks of life

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kelly Vernon
  • Armed Forces Medical Examiner System
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  To many, teamwork is a common phrase often used to rally a unit together when faced with a significant challenge or task. Understanding what makes the team a championship team is often overlooked in our current popular culture.

With basketball season upon us, I thought it best to relay the following story:

After a career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where Michael Jordan was a member of the Tar Heels' National Championship team in 1982, he joined the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls in 1984. Although an outstanding performer in his own right, it wasn't until 1991, that he won his first NBA championship with the Bulls, and followed that achievement with titles in 1992 and 1993.

You see, Michael Jordan, the extraordinary talent that he was, did not make the team true champions all on his own. Sure, he contributed greatly, but only after the addition of other key teammates such as Scottie Pippen, Stacey King, B.J. Armstrong, and John Paxson did the Chicago Bulls do what no other NBA team had accomplished since the 1960's-era Boston Celtics - winning three consecutive NBA titles in 1991, 1992 and 1993.

The same could be said for our individual work centers or units - there are star performers, and we should recognize them accordingly, but they alone do not make for championship teams or units. We all play a part.

Remember this next time you see a fellow teammate struggling with a physical fitness test or difficult task. Synchronized leadership is the key to champions, not mere silos of excellence, or most valuable players. Share your knowledge with others and encourage them to do their personal best at accomplishing any and all missions placed in their scope of influence.

We all win or lose as a team. I encourage you to be a proactive and productive teammate to your fellow service members and continue the legacy of the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and tenet units as true champions.