Page 5 - Desert Lightning News April 7, 2017

Desert Lightning News
April 7, 2017 www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb Facebook.com/DesertLightningNews
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From DREAM, Page 2
first black to reach the rank of four- star general, didn’t earn this distinc- tion until 1975.
As Black History Month kicks off, I challenge everyone to learn about people like Chief Master Sgt. Thom- as Barnes. He was the first black chief master sergeant of the Air Force and Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth Wright became the second Feb. 17, 2017. Additionally, I encourage everyone to research Maj. Shawna Kimbrell, the Air Force’s first female African- American fighter pilot.
I challenge you to research some- one’s history other than your own. I challenge you to get to know about some of the service members, who came before us and made serving possible today. The reality of life is that we can never truly know the way ahead unless we know where we came from as a person, as a race, as a society and lastly as an Air Force.
It is an honor to be among the African Americans who serve. To- day, I say to Dr. King, “Dreams do come true.”
PAYDAY COMES EARLY WITH USAA.
We make active duty servicemembers’ checks available one business day ahead of time with direct deposit.
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From WARRIOR, Page 4
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chip Pons
Seekell sprints to the finish line of the 100-meter dash during track and field qualifications.
est and got me here,” Seekell said. “For a short time, I was status quo and complacent at work and during my recovery. I realized I had the chance to improve so I tried each day to get stronger. What is great about this program is that friendly competition drives us all to push harder and in turn, to heal. This is the one place where all of us can come together and share that com- mon ground.”
For Seekell, the competition goes hand-in-hand with a once-in-a-lifetime camaraderie.
“Thesetrialsandthegamesbringtogetherallthese
warriors who have served their country and are now together in one spot,” he said. “When we are in our respective units, in a sense we are alone standing out amidst our teammates. But, here, when you look to your left and right, the warriors standing next to you look back with a sense of understanding to what you are going through. The bonds we share are unlike any- thing I’ve experienced, and that is why I compete - for the people by my side and for those who have helped get me here.”
Despite the challenges he has faced, Seekell remains optimistic that through hard work and a hardiness of spirit, there is nothing he can’t handle.
“Regardless of whether you are a wounded warrior, injured or completely healthy, it’s knowing you can al- ways do a little more,” he said. “Beyond the individuals here, this lesson of resilience is for every Airman and every member of the Defense Department. We can always push beyond our boundaries. People have bad days, which is unavoidable, but just remember there is always someone out there who is having a worse one.
“These events are one of a kind and they are an excel- lent display of the strength of the human spirit,” he said. “Let this serve as a reminder that regardless of what is going on in our day-to-day, we have the choice to be resilient.AndformT:9e.5,”thatistheonlychoice.”
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