The Eagle & the Wolf As it relates to AFSA…
Each of us wakes up every morning and is faced with a monumental choice to decide. One choice is to productive, to inspire, to be dedicated, motivated, and committed to making today the BEST day possible! To go out, fresh smiling and energized in the name of AFSA and “do the right things” to recruit and retain—to forge the future TODAY, one new member at a time. The other choice we have is to be mediocre, to be average at best, and to just, “get-by” with little or no desire to inspire or develop on the path of professionalism that our fore-founders have laid at our feet.
Throughout my tenure as a member and leader within the Air Force Sergeants Association, I have seen the continuum from substandard to superior and EACH of us has the ability to make a conscious decision each and every day as to which way to move. This dilemma brings up one of my most favorite and inspiring poems I have ever heard before entitled, “The Eagle & the Wolf”. This poem describes the internal strife’s we all experience in everyday decision-making but truly fits into the realm of AFSA Leadership. EVERY ONE of us needs to make the right decision….Please take a moment, read the poem, and decide…There is a great battle that rages inside me. One side is a soaring eagle Everything the eagle stands for is good and true and beautiful. It soars above the clouds. Even though it dips down into the valleys, it lays its eggs on the mountain tops. The other side of me is a howling wolf. And that raging, howling wolf represents the worst that is in me. He eats upon my downfalls and justifies himself by his presence in the pack. Who wins this great battle? The one I feed. The one I feed. I challenge you all to feed the eagle. Remember, your Nation depends upon it.
As you can clearly see, the eagle represents where we want to be—where we NEED to be! The wolf represents the ugliness, the wrong choices—where we do NOT want to be. AFSA leaders and members, I encourage you to embrace your eagle and help make your chapters and yourselves soar to new, excellent heights! HOOAH….
V/rSMSgt Matthew “Mad Dog” BeckerVice President, AFSA Chapter 984“Lead Me...Follow Me…or Get Out of My Way!”