Page 11 - Desert Lightning News 2-5-16

Desert Lightning News February 5, 2016 11

#YOLO www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb Eventually I relented. Who knew I
Facebook.com/DesertLightningNews would have liked it so much, let alone
be so darn good at it.
having Colonel Blum’s advice at my leave afforded me choosing to travel
The demands placed on us by virtue
fingertips for years, there was much back home to see family more regu- of our service are many, and they are
great, and they are such that we must
56th Communications Squadron in common with his. larly instead of hastily planning leave never allow personal desires, agendas,
and comforts to take priority over ac-
I too would not have missed as as every September 30th approached complishing our assigned mission or
the needs of those under our charge.
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. much time with my family as I did. simply to avoid losing it. However, service before self does not
mean forsaking our responsibilities
-- While unpacking from another From school activities to sporting I would have asked for help when as spouses, parents, friends, siblings,
sons and daughters and contribut-
permanent change of station, I came events, dinners at home and trips I needed it. Our middle child has ing members of society. Far too many
times, I have lost sight of that.
across a folder filled with clippings I near and far, I missed more than my struggled for years with severe men-
I have been carrying Colonel Blum’s
have been carrying around with me share. Of course, there were instances tal illness which at its worst threat- words around with me for more than
18 years. If I had it all to do over
since my early days in the Air Force. when that was unavoidable; however, ened my marriage, the well-being of again, I would have referred to them
more often. As he so artfully said, “the
Flipping through it, I stopped on far too many times I simply chose to my family, and my child’s very own object for all of us is to make sure we
run out of career, before we run out
one of my favorites, a commentary tend to work “commitments,” because life. Those are words that to this day of family.” So put in your leave paper-
work, surround yourself with friends
written 18 years ago by Army Colo- I thought I was doing what was ex- I have not spoken out loud outside of and family, leave your work at work
and take a trip or maybe go dancing,
nel Mark Blum. In the piece entitled pected of me. I thought I was putting familial circles. Like others who have and for goodness sake do not wait
until next September to do it.
“Important vs. Urgent”, Colonel service before self. had their heads stuck up their own

Blum reflects on his career and of- I would have tried harder to leave backside, I made the situation about

fers what he would do differently, if my work at work. I so often carried me internalizing how it would make

he had to do it all over again. with me bottled-up stress from the of- me look as a parent and as an officer.

Approaching 22 years in the Air fice allowing it to detract from what We talk a great deal about Compre-

Force myself and having recently should have been enjoyable times hensive Airman Fitness, about tak-

watched my youngest of three chil- with my family. ing care of ourselves and seeking help

dren start college, I reread the article I would have been more patient when we need it. During that time, I

and for the first time ever, I found and understanding with those closest would have practiced what I so often
myself reflecting on my own career. to me. Why I found it easier to accept have preached.
Knowing for certain I have fewer last minute changes, minor mistakes
years in the Air Force ahead of me and oversights, and personal inconve- Finally, I would not have made my
than I do behind me, I was inspired niences at work than at home is equal- wife wait 20 years for me to take her
to come up with my own list of de- ly incomprehensible and indefensible. to ballroom dance lessons. Year af-
sired do-overs. Sadly, and despite ter year, I had an excuse and year af-
I would have made better use of the ter year she pretended to understand.

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