A positive attitude is the right attitude Published Oct. 31, 2007 By Master Sgt. George Evans 14th Medical Group First Sergeant COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- If you're waiting for a Pulitzer Prize winning article you might be in the wrong place but if you'd like to hear a First Sergeant's take on things please read on. Through my more than 20 years of Air Force experience I've always tried to keep a positive attitude. Sometimes it's difficult due to the many challenges life throws at us but I'm always reminded each day as I put my uniform on by the words over my left shirt pocket, "U.S. Air Force." How cool is it to work for the greatest Air Force in the world? It's an awesome concept with an even more awesome responsibility. Everyone needs to understand and to be able to see the big picture. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a vital role in the huge scheme of things. Our job at Columbus AFB is simple, to provide the Air Force with the best pilots and become deployable ready. In order for this to happen we need everyone to do the jobs they were brought here to do. So, if we're here why not do our job with a positive attitude? Why not love what you do? If you did it would be a lot easier to face the challenges that every day brings us. Everyone has heard that a positive attitude goes a long way. Well it does! If you really love what you do than a positive attitude will be evident. A positive attitude can be the difference between success and failure. And if I remember correctly the last line in the Airman's Creed says "And I will not fail". We don't have a choice except to succeed. Having anything less than a positive attitude is unacceptable. I really believe that it takes more energy to be negative than it does to be positive. People need to accept their role and responsibility with the greatest enthusiasm and be able to go home at the end of the day and say that they gave it their all. This will be easily accomplished if you love the Air Force and love your job. I know this can be trying at times especially when we're faced with difficult challenges and obstacles that pop up along the way but if you stay focused and are able to put things in perspective you should be able to handle it in a professional manner. If you're here for four, six, 20 or 30 years, great! Just remember service with a smile because mean people suck. General George Patton once said, "If I do my full duty, the rest will take care of itself." That is so true in our profession. If we do our full duty than everything else should fall into place. Having a positive attitude can make life a lot easier to accept the challenges that we face on a regular basis. Remember that a positive attitude is contagious so don't be afraid to catch it.
