Core values more than words

  • Published
  • By Col. Vic Sowers
  • 436th MXG commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  I recently came across a very interesting article entitled "Words Don't Mean What They Mean." The article offered a review of Mr. Steven Pinker's most recent book, "The Stuff of Thought." Mr. Pinker is a widely published cognitive psychologist. And frankly, while I am not familiar with this book or other published material, I did find the observations in this article very intriguing.

Mr. Pinker addresses the human nature of why people speak the way we do...often saying one thing, yet often meaning something entirely different. His commentary focuses primarily on personal relationships, political speak, and the like. But it certainly touched a cord with me regarding our Air Force core values.

From day one, the folks in the Mission Support Group have heard me address the joy that I have with the Air Force for clearly articulating what is important to us ... Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. Simple, yet powerful words that mean a lot to me. I've said many times that if we embrace them, live them, and embody them, that we will never have to worry about the success of the Air Force mission or our Airmen--while on active duty or after their service to our country.

This leads me back to why Mr. Pinker's book attracted my attention. To me, it hits at the heart of why our core values are important to us institutionally. Our core values should be our "stuff of thought" every single day. We should never just speak them without thinking about them. I understand Mr. Pinker's point in that we should choose our words carefully...words do matter.

Mr. Pinker asks, "Why don't people just say what they mean?" Good question! He opines that social politeness, political ambition, relationships and more lead us to speak duplicitously. I've learned that words matter ... and matter a lot. I've also been taught from a very early age that actions speak much louder than words. So, I guess I echo Mr. Pinker's question ... why don't people just say what they mean? But more importantly to me is why don't we act the way we speak?

Do your daily actions reflect our core values? Do you embody, embrace, and strive for Integrity, Service, and Excellence? We are all leaders in this incredible wing and the best Air Force the world has ever seen ... from the most junior airman to the most senior colonel. Your leadership can make a difference! We need your leadership perhaps more than at any time in our history. I challenge you to think about our core values every single day. I ask you to walk the walk ... not just talk the talk. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and reflect Integrity, Service, and Excellence in all you do.

I love the Air Force, our way of life, and our core values ... and I mean it!