COMMENTARY: Knowing what right looks like Published March 25, 2015 By Maj. Rofelio Grinston RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Knowing it was the right decision for me, many years ago I raised my right hand and swore an oath to defend and protect our great nation. As I mature, I find that I'm still learning where I should concentrate my efforts. Is it the amount of time dedicated to the job? Is it better to have academic accomplishments that I can showcase, such as earning Distinguish Graduate or earning a degree? Or is it right to focus on morale, while our leaders are balancing high mission requirements? All these questions rank very high and are needed to achieve greatness for an organization or for an individual to stand out amongst peers. So the question remains, "What does right look like?" Choosing what's right is the cornerstone of our decision making and is more challenging now than ever before. All military members and employees hired to support the DOD's national objectives must define what right looks like for them and their families. A few questions for those of us stationed overseas to ponder could be: Should I re-enlist? Should I volunteer for a deployment? Should we start a family? Should I remain overseas? Should I raise the "knock-it-off" card on behalf of someone who doesn't have the courage to go that far? These are all very relevant questions and deserve an answer. A multitude of variables may tip the scale one way or the other as each one of us weigh the pros and cons. There is an associated cost for each decision; some costs are risky and the benefits are handsome, while others yield low return on their investment. I will attempt to share a few tidbits to assist in painting a picture of what "right" looks like. I, along with many other leaders, believe its "right" to make your family a priority. It's helpful for those of us with families to understand that our family will be a constant; so they should have a voice and a vast majority of the say in big decisions. Another example is remaining dedicated to an organization because you believe in what it is doing, producing, selling or promoting. If you intend to stay a part of that organization it's important to continually establish personal and professional goals, thus ensuring that you are a relevant and contributing member of the team. This usually leads to recognition and sometimes additional compensation. These compensations can come in the form of recognition such as awards or a heartfelt thank you. As military members, we expect our due compensation and corresponding benefits afforded by congressional law. In order to utilize those fundamental benefits, many of us are enrolled in educational institutions pursuing degrees or certifications. I'm always overjoyed when I visit an office and see a graduation certificate or plaque with DG inscribed. Another example of "right' is when we spend time honoring the families of our deployed members. We acknowledge their sacrifice and honor their courage by showing them they are members of our team and our family. This is often highlighted during base events such as Hearts Apart. Right is when time after time you raise your hand taking a deployment. Right is when you enroll in an online course regardless of the constant demands of no-fail missions or last minute temporary duty assignments. Right is having the right attitude and lifting up the spirits of others. All these sacrifices are right and freedom is the reward. I salute each of you for paying that cost with your decisions to support and defend our way of life. Airmen and civilians of RAF Mildenhall you are what "right" looks like. I salute you.