COMMENTARY>>Where have all the kites gone?

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

The other day I was running around our base track and saw a couple of families flying kites together, and a flood of memories came rushing in. During my youth, it was not uncommon to see many people flying kites; this activity allowed people from all walks of life to come together. This was a relatively inexpensive activity, yet the dividends of families coming together were well worth the small expenditure.

Now, whether you fly a kite or not isn’t the main issue, but it’s trying to carve out time during our busy schedules to spend quality time with one another. As you reflect on the most significant moments of your life, my guess would be the significance was not what you were doing, but who you were sharing them with. We defend our country each day to ensure people have the right to pursue happiness in ways of their own choosing. My hope is that each of us reflects on what makes our lives what they are; typically the answer will be the people that we are surrounded by.

Flying kites for me represents the simpler times of life where some of the most valuable lessons were learned. Each of you possesses a unique perspective, as well as a diverse skill set. Our challenge is to invest time in activities that will stand the test of time. So get out there and get to know those around you better, as they come to know you as well.

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with how well we complete our mission; your level of dedication cannot be praised enough. I just want to remind you each of you to maintain balance in your lives, as you take care of the lives of our citizens. By the way I hear there’s a sale on kites.

Combat Airlift!