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NEWS | April 14, 2011

Making Everyday Count

By Command Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews command chief master sergeant

As I go around the base and local areas, I typically ask people how they like it here and what ideas they have to make our community better. I usually get a wide range of answers to my questions from "I love it" to "it is different from my last location." It dawned upon me that no matter where we are, it's important to not only make each day count but to also make each day count for something.

We don't have enough years in our life to dwell on what we perceive we might be missing at another location. During my career's 14 Permanent Change of Station moves, it seemed like the last base I left was always better than the current station I was assigned. I think many people feel that way, however, some people have may not feel the same. Some individuals may have encountered bad experiences at a previous station, so I know there are exceptions that come along with receiving a new station assignment as well. Could it be that we are just dealing with the adjustment of being in different surroundings or that we are trying to establish new relationships?

Moving can be one of the most traumatic experiences which a person can go through. So for those who have been here for a while, please continue to do all you can to help the new members of Team Andrews get running at full speed.

I challenge each of you to do a couple of things. First, if things worked out for you well at your previous location, bring those attributes here to help us all get better as a base. If things did not go as well, then let Joint Base Andrews be a place where you turn things around in a positive way and reinvent yourself for the better.

Remember, each day is a gift, that's why we call it the "present". Make your present count for something great!