Have you earned your wings?

Published Dec. 8, 2009
By Col. Theresa C. Carter
Director, AMC Installations and Mission Support

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- One of the things I enjoy doing every year during the holidays is watching the classic Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." The film is about an angel named Clarence who is trying to earn his wings and a man named George who plans to end his life by jumping off a bridge into icy water. The men cross paths when Clarence jumps into the water before George, to take George's mind off his taking his life.

Clarence's actions ended up taking George's attention away from his attempted suicide and instead had him focus on saving this old man (angel) who was now wildly flapping his arms trying to stay above water.

George was ready to end his life because he was convinced things would be better had he never been born but, in fact, things would have been much worse. He would not have been there to save his brother from drowning, to help his neighbors secure desperately needed home loans, or to provide a helping hand to his family.

George finally realized he had made an impact each and every day in the lives of his family, friends and co-workers, and he pleaded with Clarence to let him live again. His wish was granted and Clarence earned his wings by showing George how important his contributions were to the lives of many others.

As I reflected on the film and its message, I wondered how many of us appreciate the impact we have every day on our fellow Airmen? Whenever I had the chance to talk with students at Airman Leadership School, I always discussed the important role first-level supervisors play in the lives of the Airmen who work for them. Time and again in climate surveys, the one thing our Airmen say they value most is a simple thank you or a pat on the back from their immediate supervisor. When was the last time you thanked one of your subordinates at the end of the day for their efforts? Have you ever told them how important they are or how they contribute to successful mission accomplishment?

Stop and think about an average day at any given Air Force installation. Maintainers are preparing aircraft to fly. Aircrews are flying combat and training sorties. Combat support personnel are providing the infrastructure and services needed to support our Airmen where they live, work and play. Medical personnel are caring for our most precious resource - our Airmen, family members and retirees. Instructors are mentoring and training our future leaders. It's not easy to keep all of these parts moving smoothly -- every single person plays a key role and is essential to success.

Imagine if a worker on an automobile assembly line decided to leave out a few nuts and bolts because they were hidden from view and didn't appear to be significant to the operation of the vehicle. The impact may not be seen immediately, but over time a squeak or rattle may develop or the vehicle may fail to operate. In the Air Force, squeaks and rattles degrade mission effectiveness and failing to perform is not an option.
Whether you are a supervisor or subordinate, recognize and understand the powerful influence your words and actions can have on those around you. I know personally of several individuals who decided to re-enlist rather than separate and in the extreme, to live rather than to die simply because someone on that decisive day said "thanks, you've done well and we appreciate what you do for the unit."

So during this busy holiday season, take time to say thanks to the dedicated military and civilian members of our Air Force team. Let them know how important their contributions are to keeping our nation free. Let them know they make a difference every day. You never know, like Clarence, it just may help you earn your wings.

Colonel Theresa C. Carter