Thank you for your sacrifices Published Oct. 1, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff of the Air Force are committed to rebuilding our reputation of excellence and regaining the trust and confidences of the American people. The foundation of how we accomplish this feat and how we lead must reflect our core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do. Regardless of rank, specialty or job, every task executed must align with our top three priorities: Win Today's Fight, Take Care of Our People and Prepare for Tomorrow's Challenges. Our Airmen make extraordinary personal and professional sacrifices for their families, team Travis and this great nation ensuring the Air Force accomplishes its mission. Everyone contributes; no one has greater value to our mission than another. However, of the three top priorities "Taking Care of Our People" appears to receive the least amount of attention because we focus so much on today's fight and tomorrow's challenges. There is no greater honor and privilege than to serve our country; we should be extremely proud to serve in the greatest Air Force the world has ever known. Our aircraft and equipment are more superior than any other nation and, through global reach, we can bring devastating airpower to bear on our enemies any where at any time. However, other nations don't marvel over our airplanes or equipment, that isn't what makes our Air Force great - it's our people - our Airmen. Yet, recognition of effort remains in the top five reasons our Airmen cite as to why they depart our great institution. Recognizing our Airmen for their outstanding contributions must be of primary importance. We must understand recognition stimulates professional pride in those that witness the recognition; it's a means to reinforce our organization's culture, and to retain our top performers. "People First, Mission Always" must be more than just a slogan; those four words must become a means of existence in our Air Force. The idealism of people being the top priority should permeate from the wing commanders down to the lowest ranking individual. We have Airmen dispersed across the globe, from sea to shining sea, doing great things for this sweet land of liberty. Our people don't do what they do because they expect or want recognition. They do it because they're proud Americans. Recognition comes in many different forms: awards, decorations, letters of appreciation and more. When was the last time you said, "thank you or great job?" A simple pat on the back goes a long way. Some of us fail to recognize our people for awards because we're too busy. Others approach attending an award banquet as if it's a chore to don their mess dress or semi-formal attire to dedicate a couple of hours acknowledging the efforts of our comrades ... that's a shame! We're faced with some very busy and challenging times. Nonetheless, it's important for us take time to support and recognize our superior performers. We should be proud of what our Airmen do for America, for our Air Force and their family - proud enough to reward them for what they do or simply pass along a heartfelt thank you. Team Travis; have a great weekend, be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus ... Thanks for your sacrifices!!!