Team Dover blessed with great professionals

  • Published
  • By Chaplain, (Lt. Col.) James Parrish
  • 436 Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  When I was notified I had the responsibility to provide the next leadership column, my mind began to whirl. I asked myself, what am I going to write?

Perhaps, as the oldest Airmen on base I could mention how much the Air Force has changed and that today we are the most learned and most educated branch of service to provide security for our nation. However, I thought our youngest Airmen know that since each space has a face associated with it we have no second or third level replacement; and the phrase "Do more with less" is not sustainable. On that point, I did hear Chief Master Sergeant Cody say, "We've got to stop trying to do more with less...it doesn't work! All it does is exhaust our most precious asset--Airmen." So, I chose not to write about that!

Perhaps, I could talk about professionalism and squeeze in a couple of my pet peeves as illustrations. I could mention Issues such as telephone etiquette and dressing appropriately off duty. But then, I've heard other comments about these things as well, so I won't write about that either. 

Perhaps, I should mention a more serious topic called "SAD."  The acronym stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Millions of people across the globe suffer during the winter months from this condition. Surprisingly enough, during Spring the symptoms may increase causing a few individuals to having suicidal thoughts. However, I thought people might not want to read about such a grave topic so I chose not to write about that either.

What I really wanted to write about is "Decisiveness," but I had so many interruptions I couldn't focus my thoughts.

That's the point of my message. We are busy people doing more than ever.  We have the privilege to serve in the greatest Air Force in the world. We have the most dynamic leaders leading the way. We have the most awe-inspiring maintainers making global reach attainable with platforms in superb condition. Dover is blessed with pilots and air crews, who accomplish unbelievable achievements around the world impacting people's lives in ways which are unimaginable, and yet they make it real and it happens in record time.  Our medical professionals are people who genuinely care about the health of Airmen and their families, as they continue to serve the veterans and proud patriots who have established essential paths which we still utilize throughout the world today. We work daily with Air Force support forces providing the most amazing customer service and getting results employing genuine "I care" attitudes. In the midst of all this spectacular achievement I have some deep concerns. I pray that we don't lose the most precious gift we have; that is our "self." I believe it is in knowing who we are and where we come from that propels us to the next level of self-identity as an Airman.  This is a calling to strive toward excellence in all that we do. We are Airmen. We know what we have to do. 

I ask you to think about this: not everybody who applies to serve in this all-volunteer service is accepted. You made the cut and earned your spot. Nobody else can do what you do. You are here for a mission; you have purpose and contribute to a global effort to rid the world of terrorism and tyranny while keeping our shores of freedom safe. Don't lose your perspective of who you are... The Air Force hasn't....that is why you are here.

Thank you for your service.