Challenge the status quo

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Patricia L. Kawa’a
  • 349th Medical Group

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – We are all familiar with the Airman’s Creed. What does it mean to you? What do our family and friends think when they hear it? The creed is pretty clear about who we should be, but sometimes our personal perceptions may interfere with meeting its lofty goal.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing; while others judge us by what we have already done.” 

In these challenging times of scarce resources and minimal manpower, there is the propensity for taking shortcuts. No one wants to admit we can’t accomplish something.  We may not have the ability to change our resource issues, but we can change our perspective of the situation.

Now is the time for thinking outside the box, using critical thinking skills to develop new ways to complete the mission under current constraints. 

The best way to do this is through continued process improvement. 

The Airmen at the roots of any process have the power to make changes that benefit the mission.  I am sure at some time in your career you have said, “Why are we doing this?” If you find yourself asking this question, it might be time to rethink the process. 

We are continually asked to do more with less, and it probably won’t get better anytime soon.  Continue to innovate in your thinking, open your options and seek improvement in all you do. 

We are a great force going through hard times. Build on your foundation of skills and knowledge to get the job done.  Pass on that knowledge to develop more critical thinkers.  Changing your perception of an issue can open a whole new view on situations impacting the future. 

Challenge yourself to answer our nation’s call, be a guardian of freedom and justice, a wingman, leader and warrior. Remember, we all are American Airmen.