Personal legacy; how will you be remembered?

PATRICK AFB, Fla. -- As the final launch of the shuttle Endeavor reminds us, all good things must end at some point. Over the course of the next several months, many will go through transitions as the traditional Summer move cycle kicks into full gear. Others may be pondering retirement or other career options.

As award packages and performance reports are written, it's a perfect time to reflect on the many accomplishments achieved over the months and years. More importantly, what was the impact on the mission and people in the unit or organization.

Are your thumbprints on the mission? What impression have you had on those around you? What has your legacy been here at Patrick and/or the Cape? Was it positive? How will you be remembered in the years to come?

My hunch is that each of us would like to think it would be in a positive vein. However, neither I, nor your commander, first sergeant, supervisor, co-worker, friend or spouse can control people's perception regarding what kind of person you are.

It's all on you.

Life deals us many challenges, whether it's in the form of tough issues related to our mission or people that may just "rub us the wrong way." The key is how we deal with these challenges each and every day. My experience is that attitude makes all the difference. How we react to the tough situations can leave a lasting impression... either in a positive or negative way.

Like it or not, you become a force multiplier in either case. For good or bad, respectively. And we all leave a legacy each and every day based on how we react to people and situations.

So, my challenge to each of us is to make a point to leave a positive legacy...each and every day. No matter what situations life throws at us, it's a choice in how we rise to the occasion! When we get it right, the results can be truly powerful.

As always, thanks for all you do.