Small trio adds up to big impact

  • Published
  • By Maj. Todd Vician
  • 376th Expeditionary Services Squadron commander
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyz Republic (AFPN) --  They say big things sometimes come in small packages. Look at the number three. It is a small number, but it can have a big impact. A triple play ends an inning. A triple crown is the stuff legends are made of. The trinity is monumental to Christians around the world. Three Air Force core values set the foundation for all decisions we make as we do our mission at home or while deployed.

Three words said to me on a vacation to the Badlands of South Dakota two summers ago had a profound impact on me. As we pulled up to the Crazy Horse Monument, I remembered that one of my noncommissioned officers had once told me military were admitted to the park free. I stopped at the ticket booth and asked if this was still true. As the attendant said, “yes,” I tried to get my wallet out of my pocket to show my ID card. Then he said the three words that I still remember today, “I believe you.”

He waved me through, and as I drove to the parking lot, I asked myself, why did he believe me? Why didn’t he ask for proof? After all, he didn’t know me and had no reason to believe me.

Or did he? He obviously knew many people like me -- people in the military. He may not have known we have core values, but he knew we who wear the uniform for the most part stand for what’s right. We protect freedom and put integrity first. I was the beneficiary of his past experiences, probably positive ones, with the military.

I drove away encouraged that I was associated with the profession of arms. Sometimes, however, I wonder how long we will keep this good reputation. Occasional news stories about dishonest servicemembers tarnish our image, but the fact that they are in the news means they are still out of the ordinary.

So far, so good. But what about daily missteps or misdeeds? Do you do what is right even when no one is watching, or do you believe that “what goes TDY stays TDY?”

Many in the public we serve are fascinated by our talent and awed by our successes. But with that appreciation also comes attention. As I tell my sons, every action has a consequence. If nothing else, when you get home and look into a real mirror, will you be happy with what you see? Can you look at that face and say you have no regrets from your time in the service?

If the answer is yes, I say thank you and I will continue to try to live up to your mark. If the answer is already “no,” don’t despair. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing for which I’m grateful. Start watching out for others and thinking of the consequences before you act or you let your wingman do something. Commitment to doing what is right on the job and in your personal life will ensure we get home safely and with our heads held high.

We are part of the greatest Air Force ever assembled, and that is because of our collective strengths. Airmen have made the right choices and the tough calls for decades to allow us to succeed while taking this fight to cowardly terrorists. Now it is our turn, and I am convinced we are succeeding every day as I watch airmen come together to accomplish the mission. Whether the task is large or small, we usually do it well.

Stand tall, walk proud, and do what is right. You will have no regrets and good stories to tell of hard work, great achievements, fun times and new friends.