COMMENTARY: Who's counting?

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ryan Blake
  • 100th Operations Group executive officer
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Tax day - It's the day in the middle of April many Americans dread. Every military member and federal employee counts on Americans to make honest contributions to our nation's financial coffers and every American is uniquely dependent upon the security only the federal government can provide.

On a grand scale, our country is counting on us, but what about on an individual level? Who is counting on you? Regardless of your role, whether you carry a rifle, bend sheet metal or scrutinize records, someone is counting on you to do the job right. If you have a family, they're counting on you, but they're not alone. Your colleagues are counting on you, your boss is counting on you, and if you're a leader, your Airmen are definitely counting you.

One of the anxieties of force management centers on what will be expected of Airmen who remain in service. Budgetary constraints force our leaders to set priorities and make tough decisions. As a nation, America has to stretch its tax dollars. Everyone who has ever struggled to make ends meet can understand what it means to sacrifice something wanted in order to secure something needed.

Thomas Edison said, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

As an Airman, whether a service member or civilian, you have an enormous responsibility, but I will share with you how I bear mine. I look in the mirror every morning and tell myself that I'm going to be a little bit better today. That's how I get through the "grind" on many occasions and it's a decision to make every day. High-performing individuals embrace challenges and exercise patience for rewards that are rarely immediate.

Enormous responsibility and hard work sound daunting, but the good news is that our journey through life is a team effort, both personally and professionally. We rely on our friends and colleagues to get us through the tough tasks and the rough days.

Why not pay it forward?

Something as simple as a smile and an encouraging word can do wonders. Be the enemy of discouragement, and know when to surround the "tough love" kind of honest feedback with encouragement. Build people up when you speak to them and when you speak about them beyond earshot.

So now you've paid your taxes, it's time to pay your dues. In an uncertain world, it's your decision what kind of Airman you're going to be today. Remember who's counting on you.

*Editor's note: Col. Nancy Bozzer, 100th Operations Group commander, contributed to this article.