Helping Others
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." (Albert Pike).
These words personally ring true to me, especially this time of the year. Over the past several weeks, my concentration has been focused on helping others, specifically American veterans and those who currently serve our great Armed Forces today.Since November 9th of this year, I and Chapter 984 have been heavily engaged either speaking with, listening to, assisting or providing for the men and women who have answered our nations call and dawned a uniform representing our great nation.
Better yet, I have been surrounded by a strong cadre of peers and subordinate warriors who have assisted me in my ventures of helping. Collectively we have visited State Veteran’s Homes and assisted living facilities, aided the Veterans Administration during Operation STAND DOWN 2010 where we provided clothing, blankets, medical care and hope to homeless American Veterans, and sponsored a food drive where we provided an outstanding Thanksgiving food basket to over 300 families in the Omaha Community. Over 15,000 pounds of food was collected and distributed to military affiliated families in the Omaha Nebraska area. These efforts were truly a phenomenal accomplishment thanks to a few dedicated professionals.
Now, by no means am I writing this to inflate our ego or to bring the spotlight of accomplishment upon us. Instead, I want to illustrate how the efforts of a few committed people truly make a difference. I challenge you to look around the military community (specifically within AFSA) and I guarantee you will see equally dedicated people making a difference in every corner of the world. Within the European theater, Chapter 1669 (RAF Lakenheath) and Chapter 1670 (RAF Mildenhall) are gearing-up to hold another AFSA’lutley magnificent special needs person’s holiday party.
Each year, these chapters rally together and bring in roughly 300 special needs people and their caregivers and provide them with a holiday party like no other complete with gifts and a magnificent meal. SMSgt Dan and MSgt Rebecca Janssen, staunch AFSA leaders, take the reins to make a good day even better.Look up at American’s Pacific Northwest within Division 14 and you can see the unwavering dedication of the 80+ year old Bob Winkler. Bob is the bedrock of membership within Division 14 and a soundboard to the ultimate success of AFSA International. He is staunchly committed to the AFSA’s mission and principles but more importantly, is committed to pass his passion and motivation on to those who will carry on the bastion of freedom for years to come.
Now, explore the great undertakings Chapter 985’s MSgt (Ret) Terry Turner and crew are working in Oklahoma. Assisting with helping a regional food bank where each week, they (food bank) provide enough food to feed more than 77,000 hungry Oklahomans – nearly half of which are children! This could not be done without the commitment of truly dedicated and compassionate individuals.
Lastly, posture yourself towards Suitland Maryland and the Washington DC area where AFSA CEO CMSgt (Ret) John “Doc” McCauslin, AFSA International President CMSgt (Ret) Jeff Ledoux and his dedicated team of “AFSA Educators” meet with and discuss critical issues with elected officials which directly affect Air Force enlisted pay and benefits. These professionals are on the front lines of our entitlements, fighting to keep and strengthen the benefits we have fought so strong to earn.The common theme throughout this message is “service before self”. Too frequently we get caught-up in our own daily dilemmas and forget about those who face severe adversity and challenges in everyday life. We must pause and reflect on our personal blessings but more importantly, reach out and help others who may not be as fortunate.
Simply put, “fight for the improvement and betterment of our fellow mankind”. I feel that Norman Vincent Peale said it best, "When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you will be able to cope with your own more effectively. Somehow, the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor." Just like the stories I illustrated earlier in this message, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and do something for someone else today!
SMSgt Matthew R. BeckerMember, AFSA International Membership ADHOC Committee;Treasurer, AFSA Division 89; President, AFSA Chapter 984
"Lead Me...Follow-Me, or Get Out Of My Way...!"