Service before Self or Self Service Published June 2, 2015 By Lt. Col. Juliet Deguzman 436th Medical Operations Squadron commander DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- "Service before self" is one of the three foundations of the Air Force Core Values. It is ingrained in our personal values. The AF introduced this phrase to all Airmen more than likely the day they entered the service. How many of you remember that day? Did you understand what that phrase really meant? And more importantly, what did you do with it? The nature of our profession in the military is deeply rooted in service. In fact, just about whatever you are doing today in your job is in the service of others. That's part of your occupation; the reason you are earning your paycheck. This is especially true in the 436th Medical Group. All in uniform, civilians, contractors, and volunteers are here to provide healthcare for our beneficiaries. What an amazing responsibility! "Service" and "self" are two key words that can carry different meanings depending on how they are used together. "Service before Self" obviously is what we've accepted as good. It is about doing something that benefits others. We lose ourselves in this situation and the focus becomes that for someone else. You serve others and you do it without expecting anything in return. Many call such acts sacrifices, but are they really sacrifices when you do it freely and genuinely? Look around in your organization and you'll find many who truly live this value of "Service before self." Do they look like they are carrying a heavy burden? You'll find that the ones who do it for the right reasons are inspired and often full of life. And what do we get when we flip the two words around? What does "self-service" mean to you? Entirely different meaning isn't it? Where the former is a very positive attribute, this is a negative one. The motivation has shifted and the focus is now of "self." Everything that a person does is for the benefit of him/herself first. This concept can be overpowering and can lead to careerism, which ironically destroys a promising career in the long run. It's easy to spot those who practice "self-service" because they are consistent in the ways they communicate and behave. Everything is all about them. This behavior is undesirable and can destroy teamwork in most organizations. I encourage all of you to continue to practice "service before self" and find value in what you do for others. Don't do something if you're only doing it for your own personal benefit. Do it because you want to make a difference to those around you. Understand that what you do for others can be the most important thing for them and that is simply satisfying enough.