ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Every day at Andrews, history happens and you are a part of it. We have a no-fail mission, and the pride and teamwork that you exhibit on a daily basis makes Team Andrews successful. To date, you have probably seen and done more singular achievements here just this year than you ever would have imagined, such as the G20, Inauguration, presidential welcome, Maersk Alabama reception, capital support and defense, and joint basing.
We are four months into the new year and we have accomplished more than most bases accomplish in an entire year. It doesn't matter what organization you are assigned to or what patches you wear, you are a part of Team Andrews.
As I interact with Airmen across Andrews, I often ask the question, "what do you like about Andrews?" The response is always, "the unique mission that we have." Everyone wants to be part of a winning team, but, as we saw with the 2009 National Football League Draft, not everyone will make the team. There is a winning formula that makes every team successful. The formula for Team Andrews is your individual pride and your willingness to be part of a team.
Let's start with pride. Author William Blake defines pride as, "a personal commitment. It is an attitude which separates excellence from mediocrity." I like that because it is commitment to excellence versus substandard performance. Pride is getting involved in your squadron, group, wing and base. Pride is not walking past paper on the ground for someone else to pick up. Pride is making sure that you and your fellow Airmen attend base events because you want to be a part of the heartbeat of Andrews. Pride is holding Airmen accountable who don't want to adhere to the standards. Lastly, pride is not allowing Airmen to drink and drive. I challenge you to take the "Pride test" to see where you stand, but, as I stated earlier, the formula for Team Andrews is not only pride, but teamwork.
Vince Lombardi, NFL Hall of Fame coach for the Green Bay Packers, said, "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work ..."
Teamwork doesn't care who gets the credit. However, teamwork requires constant and continuous communication. Think of every successful team that you have been on or seen ... one that performed like the Tennessee Titans or the New England Patriots during their Super Bowl years. They continued to operate increasingly well over time and the individual team members came away from the event feeling more gratified than any individual accomplishment could have given them. Now, think about another team, the Dallas Cowboys, who failed to achieve its goals, and whose performance and capability deteriorated overtime. The individual members of the team lost their commitment and dedication to the team. These examples had two very different outcomes, with just as many explanations. Ask yourself, "Do I want to be on a winning team or a failing team?"
Finally, as we continue to accomplish the Andrews mission with great success, we must focus on doing the little things right as we work together as a team. I am proud to say that I've seen the men and women of Team Andrews work together as a team of highly trained professionals every day and serve with great pride and tremendous dedication.
Team Andrews: you are a unique group because of the impact that you have on world leaders on a daily basis. Why? Because you leave a lasting impression! Thanks for all you do in making Team Andrews a showcase base with emphasis on pride and teamwork.
Vigilance ... Strength ... Pride.