Commentary: Focusing on we, our and us Published Aug. 14, 2013 By Col. Steven M. Sweeney 423rd Air Base Group commander RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom -- Leaders at all levels, we are a team, we take care of each other and we build each other up. We are a family ... and it should feel that way ... wherever we go and whatever we do. So, let's limit our use of I, me and my, and maximize our use of we, our and us. When writing an email, playing a sport, traveling with family and friends, having a meeting or even a simple chat ... anytime we interact ... think about what others need. John Foster Hall said, "We are all here on Earth to help others." This is a very different mindset for many of us, but it works. Time and time again our people say the best thing about their assignment is not the job or the machinery they work on, it's the people. Cherish those positive, helping, uplifting folks around you. Thank those friends and coworkers who take time to mentor us, laugh with us, cry with us, listen to our ideas or share a meal with us. The best benefit of serving in the military is not health care, a sharp uniform or technical training. The best benefit is serving side-by-side with the amazing, committed, diverse and fun people we get to work and play with every day. We may initially join the service to get an education, acquire skill, or see the world, but the reasons we stay are because of the people, their support and the close relationships we experience on the journey. Regardless of budget cuts or reorganizations, there exists an enduring personal bond that transcends our current situation. This bond - this glue, this cohesive stuff - binds fast and holds strong among those we serve with. Brothers- and sisters-in-arms all around us rely on each other to weather storms, celebrate our next achievement, and listen when we need to vent. If we focus on we, our and us, together we can ensure we will never leave an Airmen behind, we will never falter and we will not fail!