Mentoring: Please and thank you

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Waychoff
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) --  I recently sent out an e-mail with a couple of questions to a few people for a story I was writing about Stop-Loss. I got many answers back, but one answer in particular stood out and made a lasting impression on me.

The answer I got back was from a major who was affected by Stop-Loss. When I asked how he felt about it and if it would change his plans for his career, he sent me the most honest, straightforward answer I have received in a long time.

"I'm an F-16 pilot at Hill who is retiring the First of May this year," said Maj. James Elwell. "I have tried to get caught in the Stop Loss and serve longer during a time of war. I'm a warrior. I would want nothing more than to fight any chance I get, and maybe even to die in battle at 44 rather than in bed at 84. 'Stop loss?' How about 'continuation of service?' How about the mission -- the defense of the United States, and her interests and allies -- that we all volunteered for when we signed up? How does this effect my decision to retire?

I've tried for over a month not to."

This answer made me understand how much the Air Force means to the airmen in it and the people around the world. Even though I have never met the major, his answer made me respect him and understand what being in the Air Force is really about.

I began thinking about the impression veteran troops can have on younger airmen like me. Whether the officers or noncommissioned officers realize it, they are mentors.

If their uniforms look sharp and they show respect to others, we do the same. If it's the opposite, we also do the same. I think most of what we, the younger airmen, learn in the first few years affects everything we do throughout the rest of our Air Force careers.

I have met numerous people who have many years in the service, and they have given me the impression that the Air Force is the best place you can be. They told me to look at all the opportunities given to us and compare them with what's offered in other jobs.

They taught me that I need to be patient before I can learn everything about the Air Force.

I also learned through their stories that serving and protecting our country selflessly are the biggest rewards many of these people have received. Sure, they've gotten awards and decorations, but ultimately what made the impression on them was the ultimate joy they saw from the many people throughout the world they've helped.

In contrast, I have also had people in charge of me who made me want to leave the Air Force. They made me feel like it was the worst place in the world for me to be. Everyday I would hear them say how much they hated their jobs or make comments like "four more years and I'll be through."

I was lucky, though, when I arrived here. I found out I was working with great people who didn't treat me like a child and allowed me to use my limited job knowledge to grow and learn more about my job and the Air Force. They showed me everyday what the "real Air Force" was like.

I want to thank those around me who have taken the time to talk with me and mentor me. These people have listened and watched out for me. If I didn't understand, they explained it clearly. If I needed help, they assisted me.

Please keep letting your troops know the Air Force is a wonderful place. If there is something going on in your life, please don't take it out on the younger airmen or give them the impression from your feelings that the Air Force treats people badly or doesn't help them -- it's not fair to us.

And again, thank you to those who help us and make us feel welcome in our new world. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service)