Airmen accept challenges to achieve greatness

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Colleen Blake-Harris
  • 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  The Soldier and statesman retired Army Gen. Colin L. Powell wrote, "Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds." 

The Air Force's greatest resource is our Airmen. Some of you may consider this statement the "company line," while others may have worked side by side with an Airmen that has inspired, encouraged and challenged you. Know without a doubt that Airmen are our greatest resource.

I remember my first day at my first permanent duty station. I was greeted by my young and enthusiastic supervisor. His battle dress uniforms were starched so stiffly that he could barely sit down. His customs and courtesies were above reproach and he possessed a phenomenal work ethic. It did not take me long to figure out that a lot would be demanded and expected of me. Over the weeks I watched my supervisor. I began to admire his positive attitude, self-discipline and loyalty. I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be like my supervisor. He set the example. I was attracted to what exuded from my supervisor -- duty, honor and commitment to the Air Force and our great nation.

Every day of my 17 years of service, I see many Airmen just like my first supervisor. These Airmen have not just contributed to the mission, they made the mission happen.

The Air Force did not achieve greatness by accepting substandard performance, careless attitudes and wavering commitment. Airmen achieved greatness in 1949 by supplying 2.2 million people in the Western sectors of Berlin with food, medication and other life sustaining items for 15 months during the Berlin Airlift. The Berlin Airlift was an endeavor that other countries thought impossible -- a challenge our Airmen accepted and conquered.

In 1989 during Operation Just Cause, Airmen invaded Panama to free the people of Panama from six years of terror and harassment from their military dictator, Manuel Noriega. Our Airmen eliminated Mr. Noriega's organized resistance in just six days.

The historical list of noble, heroic and impressive acts by Airmen is endless. Today's Airmen are no different than those who have previously served. Airmen continue to be a remarkable force in the war on terrorism.

America's footprint has been embedded in the soils of Iraq and Afghanistan because of the great deeds our Airmen accomplished. Today's Airmen are making their own history. No plan or abstract theory accomplished all these great deeds -- it was our Airmen. 

How do we continue to attract Airmen who will deploy at a moment's notice, miss their first wedding anniversary, the celebration of their children's birthdays and will spend Christmas sitting on a mountain in Afghanistan? How do we continue to attract the best Airmen to accomplish great deeds?

First we set the example by serving with honor and accepting no less than excellence from any Airman. Secondly, we continue doing what we are doing -- being the greatest Air Force in the world. 

Thank you for your professionalism, sacrifice and service. I know when I close my eyes at night, the best Airmen in the world are protecting my freedom, my family and me.

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