Words that bind

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Steven Wiggins
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron superintendant
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Integrity... Service ... Excellence ..., above all, anytime - anywhere. These are all words that are very familiar to an Air Force professional, both past and present. They serve as a common language that connect us in meaning and move us towards mission accomplishment. They also happen to be at the root of what saddens a military member when their time has come to say goodbye and retire. 

To expand on the concept of "words that bind," I'd like to share an experience my wife and I recently had while vacationing in Nashville, Tenn. As we tried to squeeze every minute out of a trip we wished didn't come to an end, we found ourselves smack dab in the center of this wonderful city. I happened to glance at Nashville's Chamber of Commerce and locked on to their signage. My attention was focused on the words that underscored the city-scape: Belong, Engage, Lead, Prosper. I couldn't help but gawk at those four words, instantly attempting to apply them to our own Air Force. While the roots of their logo were based in economics, I believe it holds great meaning in a non-profit environment - our environment! 

Every day when we get ready for work, and take a final glance in the mirror, we are reminded of the organization we Belong to. After all, it's clearly in writing on our chest. As we drive to base, we begin the mental checklist ensuring we have everything we need for our day, to include our military ID. What's that you say, you forgot your ID at home? I believe a classic test of belonging is rooted in the rejection felt when the gate guard does his or her job, making you prove you actually belong on base. Been there - done that! Belonging is only the beginning though. If belonging could be compared to an engine, Engagement is the transmission that moves us into action. 

Recently, during a back-to-basics day seminar an instructor attempted to clarify the concept of being engaged with our customers at the David Grant USAF Medical Center. As it relates to our patients being lost in such a large facility, he said we can be "the guide" or "the guidepost." Guideposts simply point, guides understand the needs of our patients and take them where they need to be - they make a difference. Engagement can also be defined as an Air Force professional who's involved in our community. Those engaged will be seen at our Airman's Attic sorting through goods, at Top 3, Rising 6, or Base Advisory Council meetings, or as a member of Travis' Honor Guard. 

The "engaged" are not just in attendance, but involved in various committees, the difficult work that brings their group to success. The "engaged" will also be seen beyond the traditional duty hours, when it is least convenient, making a difference. Among those you find engaging, you will inherently find a leader. Leaders are not defined by rank, but rather action. The leader will not only spot where the next mishap will be, but take decisive steps to remedy what is wrong, leaving things better than they found them. So, it's obvious what organization we Belong to, our success correlates to our level of Engagement and Leadership, so where's the Prosperity? 

Prosperity can be found in the excitement in the "story you choose to tell." It's that feeling of hearing one of your Airmen called to receive an award. It's attending a ceremony and watching one of your very own Airmen post the colors as part of our Honor Guard. It's sharing an Air Force story that's rooted in tradition with someone who doesn't "belong," and you're jazzed to tell it. It's the pride you feel when you sit next to someone on the airplane telling them that you're a member of the United States Air Force and you convey it with conviction. 

While the first letter of Belonging, Engaging, Leading and Prospering doesn't make up a fancy acronym, their meanings are rich in content that can also serve as guides. I encourage everyone to know about the great organization they Belong to, Engage in your environment and let the passion take over, Lead the next generation of Airmen and Prosper in the fact that the sun never sets on all the great things our Airmen achieve.