Patriot – One who loves his country, and supports its authority and interests.

This is one definition of a patriot. How can we display patriotism? How can we bring this trait out in every Guardsman?

There are countless ways and the spectrum runs the gamut, from the flag raising on Mount Suribachi by the Marines on Iwo Jima and the firemen in the World Trade Center, to the little things someone does that go unnoticed. These unnoticed acts are just as important as those that get all of the attention. These acts are what makes the United States military what it is. In reality, we are all patriots. Patriotism is what you feel inside, you are the one who decides what is the right thing to do, when it has to be done, regardless of the inconveniences or other prevailing circumstances.

Everyone in the Guard is a volunteer. We are in the Guard because we want and choose to be. Regardless of the reasons or motivations that prompt someone to raise their right hand and swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and our respective states, Guard members made a positive decision to be part of our nation’s military. That positive act, of stepping forward and telling our communities, the state and the nation that they can be counted on, makes each and every Guardsman, a patriot.

As leaders and NCOs, we need to recognize and find that little spark of patriotism and develop it to the maximum. That little spark that develops when the hero makes that decision to do what has to be done at that critical moment should not catch any senior leader or NCO by surprise. Everyone has that spark in them. Again, we just need to find it and give it the opportunity to shine!

It is human nature to want to do the right thing. Very rarely does someone do something wrong intentionally. We have to provide people with the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability. Realize their will, find it and guide them in the right direction. We can do this by leading by example, doing the right thing, and taking responsibility for our own actions. If we use all of the tools in our toolboxes
to guide the people around us, we can bring out the best in our people. By getting to know your people, you let them get to know you. This does not need to be a huge undertaking. First impressions are lasting impressions and they are the impressions that people carry with them; and in some cases, for a lifetime.

You can tell quite a bit about a person the first time you meet them. I met a young Airman the other day on a refueling mission I happened to be on, and we were both excited to be experiencing what was happening around us. I am near the end of my career and the young Airman had been a member of the ANG for just seven months. His attitude, conduct and bearing, along with his approach to all that he was responsible for that day was admirable. I knew he had all of the potential a person needs to be a future leader in the Air National Guard. It was a genuine pleasure to be around such an enthusiastic and energetic individual. The Airman was the one I had a chance to meet, but the other Airmen on the aircraft exhibited the same professionalism that he did. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to
meet and converse with all of the other Airmen. Yet, for me, it was quite a thrill to be surrounded by younger Airmen, who are the Air National Guard's future. It made me very proud and pleased to know that we are moving forward in the
right direction. And it is imperative that we let our people know that they are important, that they are appreciated and that they are doing the right thing.

People are our most valuable asset and our most important resource. As leaders, we need to insure that our newest members receive all the guidance we can provide as they embark on this most exciting time in their lives. Entering military service is like opening a novel to its first page; how it ends is determined by the content between page one and the last page. If we are to help mold a future generation of patriots, we need to be certain that each new member has all of the “content” they will need to be successful team members. We want to make sure they stay around to finish the book.

There is an old maxim that states, “actions speak louder than words.” So let it be by our actions that we are judged and let it be our actions that nurtures the next
generation of patriots.