Determination

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Liam Milburn
  • 56th Medical Operations Squadron
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Having a goal and a road map on how to attain that goal is admirable; however, unless there is motivation to continue with that goal, it will fail.

Most of us who joined the military did so with a long-term goal in mind. A common reason is the education benefits. Even with the new stipulations regarding tuition assistance, the Air Force still offers and encourages betterment through education. There is also the Montgomery GI/Post 9-11 benefit, once TA has been exhausted. However, I often see too many Airmen squander the opportunities afforded to them. It's as if their will to use the education benefits left them after tech school. Yes, it will take you longer to attain a bachelor's degree because you're not a full time student, but that is an unacceptable excuse at best. What may seem like a daunting task can usually be very easy, relatively speaking, by mapping out what must be done. Then sticking to it, despite everything that seems to impede or just plain irk you.

Please forgive the self-aggrandizement of this next part, as I (and the rest of LEAD Council) are quite proud of it. When we took over for lead council last October, the numbers after our first meeting were abysmal. We also discovered that LEAD was no longer considered a private organization. There was also an Airmen tier mentoring program brought forward. Set on resolving all three issues, we decided to tackle the easier first while still thinking about our other goals. Through various trial, error, frustration and determination we succeeded. We have managed to finally return to a private organization.

Our meetings have been more convenient. Several times we have even been lucky enough to have the command chief drop by. Airmen Mentoring Airmen is now up and running as well. Our next event, the Block Party at Fowler Park, which starts at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, has been in preparation for several months. All of this would not have happened if we were not determined to see LEAD Council becoming what it should be.

Our annual elections for LEAD Council will be Oct. 16. If you think you have the fortitude, courage and determination to come forward and help lead your fellow Airmen all year long, we look forward to seeing you there.

LEAD meets the third Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. inside Club Five Six.