Chief’s Corner: The power of thank you

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Scott Goetze 340th Flying Training Group Superintendent

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas – A few years ago I was in uniform at the gas station when an older gentleman from the next lane peered around the pump and said, “Thanks for your service.” As I said thank you back, I noticed from his license plate that he was a Purple Heart recipient. I wondered why he was thanking me after what he earned. I’ve often thought back to that encounter, but not more so than when I became the new commander for American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 in Lyndonville, New York.

When I took my family to the annual American Legion picnic at the White Birch golf course, we sat down at a table to enjoy the buffet dinner and take a break from the day’s golfing event. Two men who I admire greatly, James Whipple and Fred Large, were sitting at an adjacent table. They leaned over to me and said, “Thank you for your service.” As before, I thanked them for their comments and remembered they both served during the Korean conflict. I told them it was they who were deserving of my thanks. They, along with countless others, have served with pride, honor and distinction - paving the way for our nation’s military to be the best in the world.

Each day since receiving the “thank you” from the man at the gas station, I’ve pondered how much I’m thankful for I’m thankful for the sacrifices of thousands of men and women who daily answer the call to serve our country in uniform. I’m thankful for my wife and two boys who deserve my thanks for putting up with life as military dependents: moving to that next base when we’re just getting settled, having to change jobs or friends, being without dad due to an exercise, deployment or extra duty. I’m thankful for my staff and the leadership they provide their respective offices. I’m thankful for those leaders and mentors who have guided me along in my career; people like Larry Rogers, Dennis Wright, Tellis Creighton, Danny Bass and John Huguley.

I’ve come to realize through these men who fought another war during another generation that we need to take the time to say thank you more often. Whether we’re military or civilian, serving on active duty, Guard or Reserve, we all have a lot to be thankful for. Never underestimate the power of a thank you - take time to acknowledge someone’s contributions today. You never know how powerful those words can be!