Take Time to Feed Your Mind

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Leisa Grant
  • 20AF Historian
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Rarely does it happen that a command chief walks through your work area without either good or bad news.

Last week was no exception.

Working in the basement of the Twentieth Air Force headquarters, I knew that when I saw Chief Master Sgt. David Spector, 20th AF command chief, come through my section, he had a message, and it was a good one.

The fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force was to speak at the base theater in 20 minutes, and Chief Spector was encouraging folks to go.

He could have sent out an e-mail, the way most of us are accustomed to receiving messages, but not this time. Nope, Chief Spector knew this message was special, and the best way to deliver it was in person.

He did not mandate the attendance; however, he did become a walking ad for Chief Gaylor to each person he approached. Being a Friday, many people said they had things they needed to do and simply didn't have the time to go.

Each person Chief Spector approached had two choices, to take time or to not take time for this event.

We leave our work centers for an hour or so each day to feed our bodies at lunchtime, but we often are quick to surrender the opportunity to nourish our minds. Having listened to some wonderful speakers throughout my Air Force career, I can attest to the fact that motivational speakers are like buffets for the brain.

Each time, I fill my plate with a healthy serving of motivation, a few sides of humor, a sprinkle of history, a dash of heritage and, for desert, inspiration that is sweeter than even the most sugar-loaded cheesecake.

In the future, if you have an opportunity to listen to Chief Gaylor or any other guest speakers, step away from your work for an hour. Interesting stories and good laughs are practically guaranteed.

In the civilian sector, people pay big money to listen to motivational speakers. As Airmen, we get paid to listen to them.
So even if your leadership does not make you attend next time, I think you should consider going and gaining some food for thought, without the afternoon crash.