HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- Late last month we celebrated a day where we remember the people who have died while serving in the country’s armed forces. Memorial Day, which originated in the days after the American Civil War, is celebrated throughout the United States with moments of silence, flags at half-staff, and visits to veterans’ graves.
But it is the actions of a 482FW Airman I’d like to highlight today. Unbeknownst to many of you, a young lieutenant from the wing is in his second year of personally leading a group of 300 volunteers to place flags at a local national cemetery. That, in and of itself, is commendable. But it is his actions to get to this point that merit sharing. This Airman was watching the news last year and heard of a South Florida National Cemetery which was one of only six in the nation that did not place flags on veterans’ graves during Memorial Day.
In a move that all of us should emulate, he thought, “That’s not right, what can I do about this?” and set about to ask for help and develop a plan to make something happen.
This young man, a Traditional Reservist, is no different than you or me. He has learned, however, to develop his leadership abilities and is not afraid to take on challenges that seem insurmountable. He did not know how he would raise $15,000 for the flags, nor recruit 300 volunteers . . . but he began to try and momentum followed. Many from the wing joined him a few weeks back for the second annual event and he can certainly feel proud he is making a difference.
There are times when we are in a situation, whether at work or at home or running errands were we see something we can change, something we can take the lead on and say, “That’s not right, what can I do about this?” But do we? I’m here to encourage each and every 482nd FW Airman to feel empowered to make a difference. Bring forth those leadership skills learned at Basic Training, Airman Leadership School or Officer Training School and apply them to make change happen.
What, in your flight, your squadron, or this wing, can you take the lead on to make this wing better? How can you develop your leadership potential to bring out the best in yourself and others?
We have exceptional Airmen in this wing. Period. I want to showcase each of your leadership achievements to emphasize that this wing is a wing of true leaders. A wing I am proud to be a part of; and it is acts as seemingly simple as placing a flag on a fallen veteran’s grave that brings it all home. Thank you, each of you, for your service to your squadron, this wing, and your country. Let us not forget the great leaders that came before us, and honor them by bringing out the best in us and those around us!