Recognize those who go above and beyond the call of duty

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th AMW command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Last Friday we recognized our quarterly award winners to include our dorm and room of the quarter. Sitting there looking across the audience, feeling the excitement and enthusiasm the crowd exhibited, got me pondering about the importance of recognizing our people or lack thereof. 

I realize no individual is automatically entitled to an award or recognition but, I believe as leaders and supervisors, we sometimes have a tendency to underestimate the importance of recognition. When we recognize superior performers, understand we are acknowledging not only the individual’s achievement but also how that achievement advances the unit’s objective and values. I believe we encourage others to recommit to the Air Force core values when we celebrate individual and team awards. 

We are operating in some very busy and challenging times. Considering the fact we are so focused on accomplishing the mission, we sometimes forget about the personal and professional sacrifices our people are making for this great nation. I truly believe this is one of the reasons “Recognition of Efforts” is among the top 10 reasons our people depart the Air Force. That’s a foul! Why? Because we, leaders and supervisors, control the thank you and the pat on the backs. When was the last time you said thank you to a subordinate for a job well done? We determine when and when not to nominate our people for an award. 

Let me clarify one thing before I proceed. When I say our people, I’m referring to Team Travis’ total force to include officers, enlisted, government civilians and contractors. As leaders, we must continue to look for ways to motivate our people and meet retention challenges. 

Recognizing our people for their outstanding contributions must be of primary importance. Recognition stimulates professional pride in those that witness the recognition, a means to reinforce our organization’s culture and to retain our top performers by recognizing them for their outstanding impact on the mission. 

There’s nothing in life more valuable than people! The idealism of people being the top priority should permeate throughout the base down to the lowest ranking individual.
We have people at home and abroad doing great things for our country’s national objective. They are exhibiting performance above and beyond the call of duty. Yet, there are times when their efforts go unnoticed. We sometimes fail to recognize their contributions. Our people don’t do what they do because they expect or want recognition. They do it because they are proud and passionate defending democracy and preserving freedom. 

I realize it’s a challenge in the midst of doing more with less, to keep our people as our primary focus. We must not use that as a crutch or reason not to recognize our people. It’s imperative people remain our top priority. So, while you’re in the midst of doing a little bit more with a little bit less, stop to say thank you or make time to write nomination packages. Leaders realize the value in awards, or just a simple thank you. Feeling appreciated is a powerful motivator. 

To our award winners and nominees I say well done. Continue striving for success and don’t forget someday you too may be called upon to write a nomination package or nominate someone for an award. Remember the excitement you felt when approaching the stage? Don’t forget, someone had to find time to write your nomination package, someone had to find time to sit on your board, and someone had to find time to orchestrate the pep rally.