Positive outlook makes any job satisfying

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Deb Smith
  • 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  It is a subject that makes most people uncomfortable. Faces grimace, noses wrinkle and even the strongest of stomachs can easily weaken at its mere suggestion. But to Tech. Sgt. Randall Lovett, it is really nothing new. It is simply another day at the office.

With meticulous organization and a keen eye for methodology, Lovett cleans and services more than 100 portable latrines that dot the dusty landscape here. And despite the smell, the heat and the jokes, this 49-year-old California reservist does the job with an infectious smile and a sparkling attitude that quickly makes people forget he is the guy that drives the “honey wagon.”

“It’s not really the thankless job everyone thinks it is,” said Lovett. “As a matter of fact, just about everyone I bump into thanks me. And that makes me feel good, because I truly enjoy taking care of people, and if this is how I have to do it, then that’s OK with me.”

But while Lovett’s world-class customer service may seem natural, it does not come without a great deal of forethought. Lovett attributes a chipper outlook on life in part to a strong work ethic and his deep spiritual values.

“I suppose it is the way I was raised,” Lovett said. “When you do something and you do your best, and you do it with the right spirit, you just feel better about yourself and life in general.”

Lovett added that having a joyful disposition also helps the days go by faster.

“Folks that complain about their jobs (and say) ‘I didn’t come here to do this,’ really lengthen their time here,” he said. “Sitting in your tent complaining about how bad you have it is a sure way to stop the clock.”

For people that have not met Lovett yet, it is only a matter of time before they do. He said one of the perks of his job, besides being done by 1:30 p.m., is he gets to travel the base and meet new friends.

“I’m probably about as well known on Tallil as the base commander,” he chuckled.

So, people may ask if there is anything that gets this man upset.

Yes, there is, he said.

“People that put water bottles and soda cans in the latrine really make me mad,” Lovett said with a slightly furrowed brow. “It’s really tough on the equipment and makes me wonder if they put soda cans in their toilets at home.”

But he said he is only mad for a minute.

In short, Lovett said it is important to remember that being assigned to doing even the most undesirable of jobs is not a direct reflection of a person’s value.

“People need to stop associating self-worth with job titles,” he said. “It’s not worth the wasted time and effort it takes to feel sorry for yourself. Just get out there and do your best at everything, even if it’s not so glamorous.”

For skeptics who might think Lovett does not practice what he preaches, think again. He actually volunteered to drive the “honey wagon.”

Lovett is assigned as a plumber to the 940th Air Refueling Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. When not called to active duty, he is a 10-year postal worker at the Rancho Cordova Postal Station.

“There’s only one place where I find happiness,” Lovett said. “And that’s simply doing whatever I‘m doing, wherever I’m doing it -- even in Iraq.”