Airmen: Find your “why” Published Aug. 29, 2012 By Col. Chuck Arnold 21st Mission Support Group commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Over the past few years we've all dealt with an evolving Air Force -- we've experienced military and civilian authorization cuts, major contract reductions and an increase in insourcing initiatives, selective early retirement boards, military and civilian reduction in force actions, annual officer force shaping boards, and enlisted force mandatory cross training programs. Obviously, we face major challenges as we work to "right size" our Air Force while at the same time sustaining high deployment rates and a constant state of mission readiness in an effort to guarantee the safety of our great country and preserve our way of life. The end result is our profession is dealing with a constant rate of change that can be both demanding and unsettling. In the midst of this transition I would challenge each and every one of you to find your "why" -- that special something that keeps you motivated. Those close to me know that I absolutely love the Air Force, for which I make no apologies. I can't wait to put on my uniform every morning and I swear that donning my ABUs makes me a little taller, a little prouder, and a whole lot better looking. In my book, any day in uniform is a good day, and lately I've been asked how I manage to stay so upbeat in the face of continuing change. Or, as a wingman recently asked me, "why are you so positive?" My "why" is simple -- I'm blessed to be a member of a team comprised of the greatest collection of professional warriors America has to offer. It is humbling to serve in the same Air Force as Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, who, even as he lay mortally wounded on the battlefields of Afghanistan, continued to direct the treatment of wounded Soldiers. If you aren't familiar with Senior Airman Cunningham, I would ask that you take a few minutes to read up on this heroic Airman. I'm honored to have served under brilliant minds like retired Maj. Gen. John Becker, who always challenged me to develop a vision and to commit fully to achieving it. I'm genuinely thrilled to command folks like Dorothy Choate, Peterson's Airman and Family Services Flight chief, who pours her heart and soul into serving Team Peterson's members and their families while never losing sight of the mission. I'm also blessed to cross paths with razor sharp professionals like the warriors from the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, who face a demanding deployment tempo while often being asked to make the ultimate sacrifice to guarantee the safety of others. I'm honored to work with professionals like Cliff Goodnight, the 561st Network Operations Squadron and the entire 21st Communications Squadron, who gave 100 percent during the recent CCRI, earning "Outstanding" and "Excellent" ratings. Additionally, it never ceases to amaze me that our security forces professionals work long and demanding shifts in the heat and cold to keep our installation safe while somehow finding the energy to take college courses in their limited free time, volunteer in support of countless worthy causes in the local community, and raise families. Every time doubt about the Air Force's future even begins to creep around the corners of my consciousness, all I have to do is look across Peterson and my "why" becomes crystal clear -- I serve with an unparalleled team of professionals who make every day in uniform gift. Will the road ahead be easy? Of course not, but I believe our leadership has us pointed in the right direction and I have complete confidence that, once the dust settles, we will be a stronger, more agile Air Force that is correctly sized and equipped to meet the demands imposed by evolving threats and future missions. In closing, I would respectfully challenge each of you to take a few moments and find that special something that will help you through this period of change -- to find your "why"