Lessons from a career of stories

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Dale L. Landis
  • 436th Operations Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Pilots have many stereotypes placed on them and some of them are not completely unfounded; for instance, they always talk with their hands. Pilots also like to tell flying stories to anyone that will listen.

A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to speak at the Airlift/Tanker Association luncheon. I told many stories from my 18 years of flying all over the world, but tried to relate the stories back to lessons that I had learned along the way. I will spare you the flying stories, but will touch on some of the lessons learned.

First, your career goes by fast, so enjoy the ride. Seems like yesterday that I was walking through the gate at Reese AFB as a new 2LT. I honestly can't tell you where the time went, but I know I have been a part of something special. If you are not having fun, then you are doing something wrong.

Second, work hard! Good results are rewarded with more rank and responsibility, but at least you know that you made a difference in the units you served. Good things tend to happen to those not focused on their own wants and desires but the organization's needs.

Third, the AF creates lifelong friends and relationships. The pilots that I started flying the C-5 with in 1993 are still my closest friends. We were young and flew all over Africa, Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. I still get ribbed a little when they recount the time I gave a little boy in Africa the snacks out of my box lunch through the fence then watched him get attacked by the older kids to steal the snacks. Guess I did not think that one through all the way.

Fourth, show initiative! Colonel Morris has it right when he talks about initiative as the fourth core value. As a commander, I want leaders at all levels in my organization to take initiative: identify problems, develop solutions, and execute without being told. It is truly the mark of an exceptional organization.

Fifth, be a professional. I define "being a professional" as doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Take pride in your service to the country, your technical expertise, and the way you look in the uniform. Working everyday with professionals is what has kept me in the AF this many years. I look forward to going to work because of the quality people I get to serve with.

Finally, dedicate yourself to service...make a difference everyday! While on deployment at Manas, I had the opportunity to travel to a local orphanage with 20 Airmen to watch a New Year's performance.

About 50 orphans dressed in their best clothes or costumes and performed plays, recited poetry, and sang songs in order for Father Frost (their version of Santa Claus) to come and give them a present. The performance went on for over an hour and finally Father Frost defeated the evil witches and gave the children their prize--one piece of candy!

Can you image if our children only got one piece of candy for Christmas??? Well, all was not lost, Santa Claus made an appearance and gave the them bags of candy and cookies! It made us all feel good to make a difference in the lives of those kids while serving our country.