Back to Basics: What’s your excuse?

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Bill Lane
  • Air Force Reserve Western Recruiting Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Being about a year away from my retirement, I thought I'd seen everything. What I saw recently reminded me I can still be surprised - or appalled.

As I arrived to work one morning, I saw two staff sergeants and two senior airmen standing outside on the sidewalk. As they stood there, a colonel walked by. All four failed to render him the proper salute.

When I asked them about it, I was given an "Uh-oh" as an answer. I know their supervisor, a senior master sergeant, and I am waiting for a returned phone call.

I wonder, "Where is the break down?" They know better. Their supervisor will be glad to tell them and counsel them on proper behavior, while wearing the uniform.

There is no excuse, which I can think for forgetting the customs and courtesies taught to us all when we passed through the hallowed halls of Air Force basic training. This also goes for the "duckers," the people who get back in their cars or run for the door when they hear the base Public Address system begin playing Reveille, Retreat or Taps.

My friend in public affairs told me she was filled with intense honor the day she, a first lieutenant, a captain, a major and a brigadier general were on the Travis flightline, just entering the building, when "Retreat" began.

Although they were halfway through the door, they stepped back, and let it close. Without hesitation, in unison, they turned to face the flag and stood proudly to render the proper honors.

No matter if you are active duty, Guard or Reserve, every branch of service learned the basics. We need to remember them.

So when you see someone doing the right thing, thank them for their courtesy. Remember what you should do the next time you hear the music begin. Put on your "cover" when getting gas in uniform. Render a salute when warranted or when someone holds the door for you.

Doing the right thing isn't hard. It's knowing what the right thing is. It's called integrity.