Look in the mirror!

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Travis once again it's Friday! Time for relaxation for most of us and for others; well the mission never takes weekends off. I read an article from a good friend and instantly, I knew it was one you would enjoy ... look in the mirror!

How long has it been since you looked in the mirror? You are probably thinking, "What a strange question ... of course, I look in the mirror each day." But, that's not what I'm talking about. How long has it been since you looked into the mirror at yourself wearing your Air Force uniform? You know, the way you used to look at yourself when you were in Basic Training, Officer Training School, Technical School or that first time you went home on leave? We were so proud of our blues, always pressed and starched our BDUs and took extreme amounts of time to prepare ourselves for the next day of work. I remember walking by the Shoppette or Skylark Recreation Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and catching myself looking in the window at my reflection. Yes, I was darn good looking, but I was also checking out the uniform I wore and feeling the same pride you all felt at wearing it.

What happened to those days? I just recently spoke to an energetic First Term Airman Center class and they told me they still look in the mirror. Why don't we all? Do we get complacent and so "used" to getting up and going to work that we take our uniform for granted and forget how proud it made us feel at one time? Unlike Superman, we don't have a big "S" on our chest to remind us of who we are. We go home each day and remove our uniform and put on "civilian" clothes. Some of us then forget that although the uniform may be off, we still "wear" the USAF underneath; I call these "undergarments" our core values. Some of us forget to take a look in the mirror and be proud of who we are and what we stand for. Some forget our history and our past and wander down dangerous paths of destructive behavior and sub-standard conduct. They may have forgotten to look in the mirror and remind themselves of the reasons they joined the Air Force. They may have forgotten that feeling of P R I D E they once felt when they joined the Air Force and looked in the mirror.

What do I mean by "P R I D E?" Let's break it down by each letter in the word. I think the "P" stands for "professionalism." This means we must treat our work as more than a job; it is a twenty-four seven profession of arms. It is so much more than just a job; it is a way of life. We all swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and to obey the orders of those appointed over us. This is our solemn vow and should never be taken lightly. This is what sets us apart from those outside the gates; what holds us to a higher standard and what keeps our military the strongest in the world!

I believe "R" stands for "respect." We all must respect our chain of command, our superiors and each other. Most of us learned about respect from our parents. Saying "Yes Sir" or "No Ma'am" were always part of my vocabulary in my formative years and were reinforced throughout my Air Force career. I treat every person as I would want them to treat me - - do you? Do you stand up when speaking to someone higher in rank than you or when your commander enters your office? This is simple respect and is part of the PRIDE we all learned in Basic Training.

"I" can only stand for "integrity" of course! It is the foundation of our PRIDE and the basis for everything we do in the Air Force. Doing the right thing when no one is looking sounds easy, but how often we forget. Small lapses in integrity can chip away at our PRIDE and lead to horrible consequences. It starts out by something as simple as not wearing your cover when you get out of your vehicle, can progress to working without technical orders, and then can lead to something as stupid as drinking underage or using illegal narcotics. Sound like a huge stretch? I don't think so ... I see it as Airmen discharge packages continue to cross the commander's desk because they "forgot" about their moral compass! Never compromise your integrity for anyone - anytime - anywhere!

I think the fourth letter in PRIDE stands for "determination." We must be determined in everything we do and always strive to do our best. Sometimes the Air Force "throws us a curve ball" and tasks and goals can seem insurmountable. However, through determination and "stick-to-it-ness" you can accomplish anything. You simply have to put your mind to it, believe in yourself and your fellow Airmen, and have the drive and determination to overcome all obstacles!

The last letter stands for "excellence," of course! Excellence in all we do! (Sound familiar?) Nothing is worth doing unless you take the time and effort to do it right -- the first time and every time. It is the end of the word "PRIDE," but should be at the forefront of everything we accomplish. Excellence directs us to develop a sustained passion for continuous improvement and innovation; it directs us to seek out education, stay in physical and mental shape, and compels us to work together to successfully reach a common goal.

P-R-I-D-E! Next time you look in the mirror, stop, and take a moment to be proud of who and what you are. Remember back to your time in Basic Training, remember the reasons you joined the Air Force, remember the joy and happiness your family shared when they watched you march down that "Bomb Run" for your graduation parade! Like Superman with that "S" on his chest, you all should be just as proud of your Air Force past, present and future. Wear your uniform with that same amount of PRIDE - and never, absolutely never forget to look at yourself in the mirror each and every day and remember that feeling!

I hope you enjoyed Chief's Blodgett's message as much as I. As always have a great weekend; be safe, make responsible choices, and I'll see you around campus.

*Article by Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett
15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force command chief