COMMENTARY>>It’s your career,make it count

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief

By the time most of you read this article, Col. Greg Otey and I will be in Colorado Springs, Colo., standing up the 52nd Airlift Squadron, our newest active-duty associate unit.

This unit will add to the mission assets assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing. In the not-too-distant future we will stand up two other geographically separated units and expand our wing as we continue to be the largest C-130 base in the Air Force.

So as our mission and responsibilities continue to grow, I want to remind each of you that you get out of life what you put into it. Some people ask themselves, as they reflect on their career, what’s in it for me? First of all, we are all in the service of our nation, and keeping our country free is a huge dividend gained for honorable military service.

Secondly, it’s important to understand that the Air Force will train, educate, house, provide tremendous health care and travel for those who enter our ranks.

Studies have shown that the average person that separates from the military has about a $20,000 shortfall in order to maintain their standard of living. This is due to benefits such as health care and facilities they have access to.

To those who ask, “What’s in it for me?” I say hard work is its own reward. My question is what are you willing to work for? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, life is not a dry run, you get one chance to develop and exploit your talents.

The people that get ahead aren’t looking for a hand out but a hand up. They don’t ask what’s in it for me? They simply take advantage of each opportunity that presents itself.

We have a large installation, but I can tell you who on this base is making a positive difference; and they are earning great recognition and personal growth. As the young people say, “don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Because at the end of the day it’s your career so make it count. Combat Airlift!