Good neighbor ethic portrayed in ‘60s TV programs still applies today

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett
  • 436th Airlift Wing command chief
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Throughout my career, I have occasionally witnessed people behaving un-neighborly to each other, and I started wondering what happened to the days portrayed in 60s and 70s TV programs. 

Perhaps some of you remember characters such as June and Ward Cleaver, The Rutherfords, Andy Taylor and Aunt Bea who starred in shows such as "The Andy Griffith Show," "Leave it to Beaver" and "The Donna Reed Show." Maybe some of you don't remember these shows, but they routinely rerun on the "TV Land" channel on cable. 

The shows are set in small towns such as Mayberry and Mayfield. They resembled the many small towns and communities across America during the 1960s and '70s. It was a simpler time when people knew about being a good neighbor. 

What happened to those days? Are they gone forever? Have we all forgotten how to be good neighbors (or good Wingmen in today's vernacular)? Let's apply some possible issues from today to those TV communities from the past and see how their residents might have handled similar situations: 

-Your neighbor fails to bring in their garbage cans all week from in front of their privatized housing unit. It is unsightly and there are no longer "housing inspectors" to leave a ticket on their front door. Do you call the Action Line or make an IG complaint? Andy Taylor might have walked next door and spoken to his neighbor, someone he called by their first name. If they were not home, he likely would have moved the cans into their backyard for them. 

-Your suitemate in the dorms is playing the stereo extremely loud and you are trying to sleep. Do you call 911 and report the incident to the security forces? June Cleaver might have walked next door and politely asked them to lower the volume. Their neighbor and good friend would have gladly complied because it would have been wrong to respond rudely to their neighbor's request. 

-Your crew member, "Otis," had too much to drink while on a recent TDY. Do you realize this, but dismiss taking care of him and ensuring he gets home safely because in your mind he is responsible for himself? He may get into serious trouble or get hurt because of his intoxicated state. Barney Fife might have ensured he was safely locked in his "home," the Mayberry jail, or in today's lexicon, given him a ride home. 

Are we capable of being a good neighbor or Wingman? I say emphatically, yes! Time has passed and technological advances are plentiful, but good manners and values are universal and timeless. You may be hard pressed to find communities like Mayberry, R.F.D anymore, but I routinely see good neighbors and good Wingmen every day around our Air Force and around Dover. People taking care of people - that's what we are all about! 

One example I can use is our neighbors, Mark and Angela Williamson. When we moved into our home in Dover nearly a year ago, they took the time to stop by and welcome us to the neighborhood and brought us dinner as we struggled to unpack our household goods. It was the simple act of a good neighbor and it meant a lot to Susie and me. 

Old television shows may be passé, but the lessons they taught us about morality and good manners should continue to "rerun" forever. So, the question I leave you with this week is simple - have you been a good Wingman, friend or neighbor lately?