Anything, Anywhere, Anytime
My people signed a blank check on the dotted line…for anything that they might be asked to do, under any circumstances, as long as it was asked for the good of their country. And they don’t back down. They step up when things are most difficult and they get it done. These days are hard—harder than any anticipated. Grueling long days in and out of harm’s way, and my people jump at the chance, to do good, in the name of their country. Sent out on short notice orders, that are now open-ended promises to do whatever is asked of them. And they’ll do it with pride, professionalism, and patriotism—-representing us all.
I would love for you to meet the 20 year-old Loadmaster from West Virginia that saved a life in the cargo compartment. I would love for you to meet the 28 year-old pilot who grew up on a cattle ranch in Wyoming, was a Distinguished Graduate from USAFA, later earned a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, who at the end of an seemingly endless 26 hour crew day is “throwing” bags and putting away chains in the cargo compartment next to his “brother”—that 20 year old Loadmaster. And they will do the same thing again after only 12 hours of rest. More to those down range. More out of harm’s way. I’d love for you to meet the maintainer from the great state of Georgia that just worked his 4th 16-hour shift in a row—in unrelenting 120 degree desert heat, to turn the aircraft and send it back for more. I would love for you to meet the comm whiz kid from Michigan that can fix anything, and keeps the mission moving with his uncanny ability to innovate on the fly. I’d love for you to meet the CMSgt from San Francisco (of all places!), that I had the privilege of retiring just yesterday. He served and led with so much heart and dedication for his people and mission, that he gave all of himself entirely for 20 years. This is a very small glimpse at who my people are. And we are all better for their service.
Anything, Anywhere, Anytime.
My people ask for nothing in return. They do their job. Yes, they get paid a wage, but that sum pales to what they earn in the values that matter. They rescue the lost, and bring them to safety. My people bring people hope.
You may have seen it for the first time this week with clarity, but it is what my people have been doing for as long as I have known them.
Those of us that no longer can be an active part of their missions and operations root them on with all we have. Because it is all we can do. It is why we bristle so vehemently at those that lack integrity and those who can harm my people through reckless words and actions. Please hold these decision-makers accountable and continue to ask how this could occur. My people will keep on working, but it is the least we, on the outside, can do.
My people have been severely let down by pathetic, untrustworthy, and incompetent political “leadership”—and it doesn’t matter. They do their job. They keep their promises. They do it for their brothers and sisters beside them, their families at home, and they do it for those in need. I’m certain that my people never thought they would be in such a situation, but they’ve adapted quickly, and have excelled. They have integrity and grit, and I will take my people to accomplish any task worth doing. They get it done.
My people, my C-17 brothers and sisters, have once again demonstrated this week the best of America. They did so because it is what was in their soul. It is how they were raised, how they were trained, and it is in their DNA.
They all have a story, and they all have different reasons, but they ALL unite under a common cause. Please take the time to find out who they are, and what they are about. You will be better for it. My people make our country stronger and by their efforts, the world a safer and better place to be.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this group, and thank you Moose family for continuing to make us all proud.
(Edit: if you would like to help out those over there, believe it or not an Amazon wish list has been setup to be sent directly to them. Link is attached: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/1714Z14RZ003I/guest-view?fbclid=IwAR1X_Lxb-lQwcEuXIcJlfZl6UKFsyvIbyf8B6Z_tTG2LZ629hSZoKXAl3io
