Words of wisdom: my parting shots

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Christopher Cunningham
  • 445th Civil Engineer Squadron
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  April marks my last month with the 445th Airlift Wing. It's been a wild ride and I as I close out my time as the commander of the 445th Civil Engineer Squadron; I humbly offer some tidbits I've picked up along the way:

"Eighty percent of success is just showing up." -Woody Allen. You might be the best at what you do, but if you aren't here, it does not matter.

"Get your head in the game." -High School Musical. Wise words from the folks at Disney. Be present, learn to make a difference, learn how your squadron is doing.

"You are in charge of your career." -Senior Master Sgt. Janet Wescott. If you don't care about your career, don't expect anyone else to. Submit your bullets, draft your own performance report, submit awards, and know how to complete a 1206 - learn this craft! What is WRITTEN about your performance MAY be more important than your ACTUAL performance. You could be the best at what you do, but if it is not documented, it might not matter.

"The first wealth is health." -Ralph Waldo Emerson. Fitness performance, beyond your own health, is mandatory and you should consider it the very least you can do to help yourself. Start early.

"Duty is the sublimest word in the language. You can never do more than your duty. You should never wish to do less." -Robert E. Lee. Learn your job, embrace it.

"It is never too late to give up your prejudices." -Henry David Thoreau. Celebrate diversity. Seek out the counsel of someone who does not look like you. Make diversity work for you and your decision making. We all don't see eye-to-eye on things, but may very well all want the best for the Air Force.

"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference." -Winnie the Pooh. Help create a comfortable and safe work environment. Everyone deserves a sanctuary at home, and the same applies for work. Don't harass, don't make rude comments, everyone here is valuable. Treat them with respect.

"My point is, life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The piña and the colada." -Ellen DeGeneres. Strive for balance. Live your life knowing where you want to excel and learn when the minimum will be just fine. Remember, it would not be the minimum if it were not good enough.