COMMENTARY>>Run your race

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

We know that no two people are exactly the same, so I take that to say that each of us is the only one who can finish our race.

It’s so important that you look at each day as an opportunity to move closer to fully exploiting your talents. When you use this approach everyone around you will benefit from the unique perspective you carry within you.

Running your race requires you to have perseverance. I reflect on the great American cyclist Lance Armstrong who won the Tour de France seven years in a row. Most years when they were on flat surfaces the other competitors would be ahead in the race. Yet Lance would point to the mountains and say that’s where the race is won. You see all of us have mountains in our lives that we must conquer to finish our race. I encourage each of you to do like Lance and see the mountain as a place where all your preparation will cause you to overcome the challenge ahead.

Some of the greatest moments of growth come during the moments of challenge in life. The challenge is not the time to quit or even stop; conversely it’s a time to dig deeper to get to that place where rarified air can be breathed in. Remember there is no one like you, so your road may take you down a different path than others. On the end of your travels you will reflect on those who helped you along the way as well as you helping others yourself.

Don’t be discouraged, don’t give up, and don’t give out because we all need to benefit from your unique talent and skill set.

You climb a mountain one step at a time, and I see many of you doing it daily through education, fitness and training. Thanks for allowing me to run my race with you all.

Combat Airlift!