Past presidents' words resonate in the present

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Travis this weekend we're celebrating Presidents Day, recognizing arguably two of the greatest men to ever take the president's sacred oath; George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. President's Day was actually declared a federal holiday to acknowledge George Washington's Birthday, Feb. 11. However, Abraham Lincoln was later elected president and debatably proved himself to be as great a president as George Washington. His birthday was Feb. 12, and many states began to observe Abraham Lincoln's birth date as a holiday as well. 

In 1968, a bill was passed to move both celebrations to the third Monday in February. This national holiday is now referred to as Presidents Day in honor of both Washington and Lincoln; but its official name remains "Washington's Birthday." 

As we celebrate Presidents Day, reflecting upon the incredible contributions of these two great men, I encourage you to be safe and please make calculated decisions. We've witnessed ten DUI's within the past 30 days. DUIs bring discredit upon this prestigious institution that we love so dearly. We're the keepers of a great legacy handed down to us by those that served before us. And as such, our mission is critical to our air mobility wing, combatant commanders and America. When Airmen are incarcerated, driving privileges suspended and morale is low because others have to carry the extra load, it negatively impacts the organization, the wing family and friends. It's imperative we do a better job of taking care of each other. Wingmen work hard together, play hard together and in the end take care of each other. 

There's no silver bullet to preventing DUIs; it requires self-discipline. George Washington, known to some as the father of our country, once said, "Nothing can be more hurtful to the service, than the neglect of discipline; for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army the superiority over another." 

Good order and discipline are at the heart and soul of military organizations. Frontline supervisors and commanders must provide hard-nosed face-to-face leadership and discipline when required and care for our Airmen. The intent of this article isn't to call upon the supervisors and commanders to do more; ultimately it's the individual's responsibility to employ self-discipline and make smart decisions. Every choice we make has a consequence; good or bad we are responsible for our own actions. 

Abraham Lincoln, probably one of the most romanticized presidents of all time, once said, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Make the right choice, don't drink and drive; if you do, you'll be apprehended and held accountable. 

Team Travis, I apologize if I sound like a broken record in this article; however, I felt compelled to address this issue, once more too many people are playing Russian Roulette with their lives and the lives of others. I'm afraid that if our Airmen continue this reckless behavior they may potentially kill themselves or someone else. Team Travis thank you for your many sacrifices. 

Enjoy your weekend; be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.