The missing puzzle piece

  • Published
  • By Maj. Aaron Sasson
  • 436th Maintenance Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  So there I was, sitting on the floor with my beautiful 4-year-old twin daughters, living every dad's dream -- putting together a Lightning McQueen puzzle (I know, you're jealous)! We were almost done; 47 of the 48 pieces in place, but where was that last piece? We couldn't find it anywhere. In my mind it was no big deal. It was only one piece; one insignificant piece of the trees in the background. So why were my girls so upset at this one missing piece? After all, the puzzle was solved. There was no more challenge to it. But in their minds it did not matter. The puzzle was not complete until every last piece was in place.

The good news is our Air Force isn't like a puzzle (insert your own version of a sarcastic emoticon here). There are definitely pieces that are more important than others, right? There is no question our dedicated operators are the most important. After all, they are solely responsible for getting our aircraft and cargo to the fight. Wait a minute, I forgot, the Air Force also needs maintainers to fix those aircraft, so maintainers must be the most important. Yeah, that's it... operators and maintainers. Hold on...the maintainers need parts and fuel to get the jets ready, and vehicles to get to-and-from the flightline, so that must mean logistics readiness is the most important. That's it, we've solved the puzzle.

Hmm, I can't help but think I'm missing something. What good is a C-5 [Galaxy] or C-17 [Globemaster III] with no cargo in it? What kind of base would we be without a team of experts to contract, maintain and manage our state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure? Anyone think we can fly airplanes and maintain a base without base defense? How about lodging, a dining facility or a fitness center? How about a mortuary to return fallen heroes with honor? And nobody here ever gets sick, right? Is anyone here working for free? Thank God for Finance.

It is common in our Air Force to think that we are working harder, longer hours, or are more important than somebody else. Sometimes, we succumb to our egos. Sometimes, that is what helps us endure the many challenges military life throws at us. But as part of a team, it is vital that we never lose sight of the fact that our Air Force is one massive puzzle. It includes every dedicated member of Team Dover, but is so much bigger than that. It includes every person, from every career field and every base; active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve.

We all are a piece of the puzzle that make this Air Force the greatest air power the world has ever seen, and we must never forget that each of us plays a vital role in ensuring combat success. If you are in a role where you feel like your contributions are not valued; think again. We cannot do it without you! And if you are in a position where you feel like you are the mission; think again. You are just one very important puzzle piece among millions of important pieces.

Finally, there is one hugely important piece we must never take for granted. These members do not deploy and are not on the Air Force's payroll, but are of equal importance to our success -- Air Force family members are puzzle pieces too. They stay home when we deploy. They eat dinner without us when an 8-hour shift becomes a 12-hour shift. And when the Air Force tells us it's time move, they are the ones who have to find new jobs, adjust to new schools and make new friends.

I draw my strength from seeing Air Force families sacrifice and support their Airmen's careers, despite the challenges and separations that come along with service. I am especially grateful for having one of those families myself!

To my kids I am a hero, Prince Charming and the world's greatest Phillies fan. But through the eyes of 4-year-olds I am constantly reminded that I am none of the above (well, maybe one of the three, you can decide which). I, like each of you, am simply a puzzle piece, doing my part to contribute to our great Air Force and our great nation. Whatever your job is, and wherever you do it, never lose sight of how important you are. Thank you for serving.