Customs, courtesies demostrate pride in self, service

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Growing up as a young man in the South, my mom and grandmother insisted on two things: first, always be courteous and polite; second, always be respectful ... especially towards my elders.

As I reflect back on the values and beliefs those two influential women instilled upon me, I now realize they taught me the key to success. They also taught me about being proud of who you are, what you stand for and respecting others for who they are.

The foundation of the lessons they taught me hinged upon eight phrases; thank you, no thank you, you're welcome, please, no sir, yes sir, no ma'am and yes ma'am.
Sound familiar? They should because I am certain your parents or guardian instilled the same values in you.

As we transitioned through Basic Military Training, we were taught that our relatively young Air Force was built upon those same values and beliefs. However, we refer to them as customs and courtesies.

Time honored customs and courtesies secured in a blanket of traditions that have withstood the test of time: saluting the wing commander's vehicle, standing when an officer enters the room, referring to individuals senior in rank to us as Sir or Ma'am and numerous others. Those fundamental principles were reinforced while attending technical training school.

Our customs and courtesies are proven traditions that explain what you should and should not do in many situations. They mirror the acts of respect and courtesy my mother and grandmother taught me.

For us, however, customs and courtesies are a necessity for mission accomplishment and have evolved over time as a result of the need for order, as well as the mutual respect and sense of fraternity that exists among military personnel.

Military customs and courtesies go beyond basic politeness used in the civilian sector; they play an extremely important role in building morale, esprit de corps, discipline and mission effectiveness. Customs and courtesies ensure proper respect for the chain of command and build the foundation for self-discipline...they make our Air Force and it's people special.

Recently I have witnessed a lack of adherence to our customs and courtesies around base: Airmen not saluting the staff car of a colonel or above; not saying sir or ma'am, failing to react appropriately to an approaching officer and/or a senior noncommissioned officers and displaying conduct unbecoming during Retreat and Reveille.

Customs and courtesies are about pride and that pride is visible when you render a salute, stand when an officer enters the room or extend politeness by saying, "thank you, you're welcome, etc."

Our customs and courtesies define who we are ... Airmen in the United States Air Force! That affiliation is something we should all be proud of and not just those wearing the uniform.

Team Travis is comprised of military, civilians and family members; all working together to accomplish the mission here at Travis. Our customs and courtesies are essential to human relations as well. Everyone deserves politeness and everyday common courtesy.
Take pride in who you are and what you stand for ... see you around campus and please make responsible choices!