Find strength to 'Airman up, Airman through'

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Damion Peterson
  • 60th Aerial Port Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Do you think there's truth in the saying, "Nothing worth having comes easy?" 

Before you answer, consider that some of the most beautiful and revered things are created as a direct result of challenging times.  Diamonds are created by high temperatures and extreme pressure, gold is an aftereffect of stars colliding and rainbows only appear after the rain.

Mother Nature plays a large role in the creation of these celebrated things; maybe life can have a similar effect on creating exceptional Airmen.  Throughout your career you will be faced with many challenges, both large and small.  It'll be these times you'll have to persevere or what I like to call, "Airman up, Airman through." 

The first part, "Airman up" involves you taking responsibility for your actions. You can never get over mistakes until you stop blaming others and recognize what you did wrong.  I'm not saying you need to dwell on the mistake or beat yourself up, but you must determine a better course of action. 

Now you know what you did wrong, as well as, what you can do better so it's time to leave the past in the past.  Choose to focus your energy on standing tall and bouncing back.  Choose to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.  Choose to be optimistic and smile.  Choose to never give someone else power over your happiness.  Lastly, understand the mistakes we made yesterday can shine a spotlight on our tomorrow. 

The second part, "Airman through" only occurs when you use that spotlight to your advantage.  Utilize it to show everyone the mistake has grown you into a wiser, stronger, and more confident Airman. 

The growth begins with you focusing on the things you control, such as the company you keep, renewed focus on obtaining goals, embracing life's challenges and being thankful for what you have.  The growth continues when you keep a positive attitude.
 
This may be as simple as holding your head up high or it may be as difficult as opening up to someone you trust.  Either way, learn from the past and allow it to grow you into a better Airman.  Maybe your growth can be as beautiful as high temperatures and extreme pressure forming a diamond, stars colliding to form gold or raindrops dispersing light to form a rainbow. 

Finally, "Airman up, Airman through" entails being a wingman for another Airman who may be experiencing challenging times.  Air Force Instruction 1-1 states, being a good wingman means taking care of fellow Airmen ... especially in situations where Airmen appears as if they are about to make a poor decision, are in despair or show signs of hurting themselves or others. 

Perhaps, you enduring challenging times can be used to prevent someone from making a poor decision or hurting themselves.  A Wingman's power is derived from being strong enough to share those challenges, being strong enough to speak up, being strong enough to support Airmen in need and being strong enough to "Airman up, Airman through."