Find inspiration all around for daily grind

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- SHAZAM!

That is the war cry of the 56th Operations Support Squadron. It comes from the comic book character Captain Marvel, who was introduced back in 1939.

SHAZAM is an acronym of six Greek and Roman gods and heroes, each defining a special ability that the superhero possesses. There is Solomon for wisdom, Hercules for strength, Atlas for stamina, Zeus for power, Achilles for courage, and finally Mercury for speed. Just like the Greek and Roman myths of antiquity, comic book superheroes of today are meant to inspire us to be better than we thought possible.

Inspiration has been part of the human landscape since we have had the ability to tell stories. In the military there is no shortage of inspirational stories that speak to the indomitable human spirit. Most, if not all, of these stories come from circumstances where death was a likely outcome. Countless books have been written and movies made about the heroism of groups and individuals that have been put into these extraordinary circumstances.

All of these stories are meant to inspire us to accomplish more, do more and be more. In day-to-day life, however, it can be difficult to find the correlation between those stories and the daily grind.

Inspiration is all around us in many forms. Everyone has their own challenges that, to them, can seem like life or death struggles. I have found inspiration every day in the men and women I work with.

Every month Airmen battle with the physical training test and win. Every day there are single parents serving in the military and providing a good home and foundation for their children. Their circumstances may be different than yours, the challenges they face can be things you've never had to deal with, but that doesn't mean you can't find inspiration in the characteristics of the individual that has to overcome those obstacles.

I've been inspired by a group of individuals struggling to fix vintage electronics that never stopped learning new techniques, and by another that took charge of a process to insure that the right equipment was available to students when there was an Air Force-wide shortfall.

More than anything else, however, I find inspiration in my children. To see the world through their eyes is a true blessing; anything is possible and the world is limitless.

As leaders and wingman, we have to be mindful of our real world heroes. While they possess the characteristics that inspire us, they still need our help. Their powers are not limitless. Lend a helping hand when you can and continue to be inspired.

SHAZAM!