Have fun and make a difference

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Charles M. Velino
  • 3rd Airlift Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  "Have fun" ... that was it. October 2010, after three weeks of aggressively trying to come up with what my squadron philosophy would be, that was the best I could do.

I know what you're thinking -- "are you kidding me?" (except for the few free spirits who are now trying to Permanent Change of Address to the 3rd Airlift Squadron). So before you write me off as a typical flyer, let me try to explain.

Sixteen plus years in the Air Force has definitely taught me one thing -- we are exceptionally good at doing our job. We excel at the work. People will work long hours, sacrifice family time, give up weekends and seek opportunities to get ahead. I've seen it in the flying squadrons, maintenance, security forces, command post, finance, force support, public affairs, family practice, flight medicine, safety, aerial port, intel ... you get the picture.

However, you ask the same folks to hang out and have a little fun ... sorry, too busy. Not always, but let's agree that we strive to succeed at the work, and support the fun when it doesn't inconvenience us too much.

Which brings me back to my philosophy -- have fun. It doesn't mean always, but it does mean to make it a priority. It won't happen unless we fight for it. So whose job is it?

I'd argue that it's everybodys. Whose job is it to accomplish the mission? Certainly it's easy to sit back and wait for the boss, or the shirt, or the booster club to plan the fun, but why is it their job?

Enough rhetorical questioning, I think fun is an integral part of true success. I think it only works when everyone makes it a priority. Not always, but anyplace it safely fits. So ... "have fun."

Now, here I am six months later. How would I rate my philosophy? It's hard. We're doing so much more, with so much less. Fun often seems like the easiest thing to cut from our busy schedules, but I'll tell you one thing for sure; looking back over the last six months what jumps to the front of my memories -- the fun.

It's worth the effort. It's contagious. Give it a try, you won't be sorry.

A note on fun though, the ability to have it requires unit-wide responsibility to absolutely strive for mission perfection. Get a Driving Under the Influence charge, fail an inspection, miss a suspense, damage an airplane or drop the ball in anyway; easiest place to point a finger is at the fun. Doesn't mean don't have it, just means it follows mission success.

That said, I think "have fun" was a good choice. I must admit though, as so often happens in military life, my philosophy did require a bit of tweaking. It now reads, "have fun, and make a difference."

So why, "make a difference"?

Making a difference is the catapult from good to great. Whether at work, at home or at play, challenge yourself to not only do what must be done, but to truly strive to make it better.

Take ownership of the processes and activities you get to do. If you find yourself challenged with an unwanted task, additional duty, or tough next job -- don't just do it, own it. Do it better than it's ever been done. Seek opportunities and activities where you can make a difference in the world around you. Plan the next event, volunteer, fix something that nobody knew was broken. Improve something that was just fine the way it was. You'll be happier, your unit will function better, your group will appreciate it and the wing needs it.