Achieved New Year's Resolutions make a Stronger You and a Stronger Air Force

  • Published
  • By Col Joseph Dill
  • 420 ABG Commander
RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom --  I am penning this article on 31 December 2008 since one of my 2009 New Year's resolutions is, "Be early on all suspense's." This article is due early January 2009 and no time is better than the present (if I quote my mom correctly). We all make New Year's resolutions, and while chatting with Chief Jenkins, 420 ABG/CCC the other day we quipped on how the Fitness Center will now be packed for the month of January so plan accordingly when trying to squeeze in a workout. 

I Googled, "New Year's Resolutions" and according to USA.Gov the following five resolutions are in the top ten year after year; 1) Lose Weight/Get Fit, 2) Save Money, 3) Get a Better Job, 4) Get a Better Education, 5) Reduce Stress Overall. Like myself, my guess is a few of these resolutions are on your current list or have been on your list in the past. In 2008 the Air Force stated that we as a military force needed to emphasize a "back to the basics" approach to execute our daily mission with precision. I, like you, wondered how I can help the Air Force get our mission more focused as we head into 2009. Simple I thought; by actually achieving one or more of my basic New Year's resolutions like those written above. Doing so, I make myself and the Air Force stronger when striving to make the mission succeed daily. 

So, stating that look at resolution #1; "Lose weight/Get Fit." Yes folks your overall physical fitness is now a part of your annual rating and being in shape translates to the Air Force's most important military weapon being ready to deploy 24/7. Additionally, if you are physically fit, statistics have shown your overall health is better, which translates to fewer trips to the doctor's office. Believe it or not, your overall attitude also improves. A very basic lifestyle change reaps a huge reward for both yourself and our Air Force. And before I go on to resolution #2, I predict in 2009 that USAFE will start to have unannounced random body composition assessments just like our current random urinalysis program. 

Saving money in our current economic downturn is challenging, but for fiscal year 2009 we just received a whopping 3.9 percent pay raise. A few years ago when I was a 2nd Lt (OK so it is like 20+ years!), I was told by my supervisor; "You never saw this extra money before and survived so before you get used to seeing this extra cash in your paycheck, invest it." Consider our wonderful TSP program, our savings bond program or any other sound investment program that starts to build a nest egg for your future. 

Resolutions # 3 and #4 fit hand in hand in today's Air Force (and no, I am not promoting getting out of the Air Force by resolution #3 stating "Get a better job"). In my mind, "Get a better job" in the Air Force translates to be given more responsibility and leading others as you earn additional rank. Yes this directly ties into how the Air Force encourages education via the CCAF program, Tuition Assistance, OTS, AFIT and a myriad of other programs since smarter Airmen make it easier to put bombs on target. 

We conclude with resolution #5; "Reduce Stress Overall" which I believe occurs when you succeed with any of the previous resolutions and by being an observant and dedicated Wingman. It costs nothing to say, "Good morning!", "How was your weekend?" and/or, "You don't look good; is everything OK on the home front?" Do more than carry the Wingman card; be a proactive Wingman to all you come in contact with daily, and watch the environment you work and live in change for the better since it is a positive contagious program. 

So as we go into 2009 my challenge to every Airman and myself is to be the minority and succeed with your New Year's resolutions whatever they may be. Yes, it is OK to have a resolution to develop a new jet fuel alternative for the F-22 or propose an Air Force Computer Based Training syllabus that takes less than 100 hours to complete. If these two weren't on your list or you haven't written any resolutions yet, I challenge you to accomplish one or two of the basic resolutions I mentioned above. A basic resolution of personal success will in turn help the Air Force with their "back to basics" initiative that supports our mission statement to, "fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace." This reminds me of my second 2009 resolution; "Memorize the Airmen's Creed in its entirety." Airpowah, and best to all in 2009!