Excellence in Teamwork

All of these Inspirational FlyBy photos inspired me to repost This Thunderbird series from the June 2016 Airshow at HAFB.

There is something about the Thunderbirds that has always captured my Fascination.

Perhaps it was catching a glimpse of them practicing at the edge of Rohmer Park in the Terrace after riding our bikes in 90 degree heat for that few seconds of exhilaration. The Thunderbirds would go straight up to the point you could barely see them.

Or when I had the opportunity, as a young buck, to watch them from the roof of a Hangar at HAFB. They were so close I could almost touch them. I could certainly Feel them as they raced in formation at speeds I can barely comprehend.

But most likely, It this Fact: The Thunderbirds Represent Excellence.

Excellence in Teamwork

Excellence in Action

Excellence in Execution

Excellence in Mastery

To put it another way, Excellence as a TEAM.

I worry about the cracks I see in the TEAMs we all rely on everyday. Our food supply, our support systems, our airlines, but most importantly our school system.

But then… I see all of the people show up just for a glimpse of the Thunderbirds. Eschewing social distancing edicts to garner a brief look at Excellence.

It seems to me, being a TEAM does matter and people appreciate and understand this concept more than we realize or give credit.

We are more than our political party, our house of worship, our alma matter, our employer, our idea of right and wrong.

At this juncture, I hope we can all recognize we need each other more than ever. Physically, Emotionally, Financially, and Socially.

The Good News is we are seeing some examples like the Birthday Drive Ups, the Neighborhood School Parades, the Senior Signs like the one in our yard. Or simply, John Krasinski. I sincerely pray we listen to people like him in this world.

I propose we follow the example of the Thunderbirds. Lets Practice Excellence.

Excellence in Teamwork.

Excellence in Action.

Excellence in Execution.

Excellence in Mastery.

To put it another way, Excellence as a TEAM.

Clayton P.

May 1, 2020