Essay Contest

I can now officially say that my love for writing has put money in my pocket.  The following is an essay that I submitted for a work essay writing contest.  I won, which put $250 in my pocket.

                                              The Captain: An Unsought for Mentor
                                                          by TSgt Kevin Reed

I had been in the Air Force a mere four years and one month when I pinned on Staff Sergeant.  I was fresh out of Airman Leadership School and fully motivated to change the world, starting with the Air Force.  I was green and everybody knew it except for me.  Fortunately, someone took the initiative to mentor me.  The Air Force Captain in my work center was a prior-service Marine.  I looked up to him because he was respected by co-workers, a family man, and academically accomplished.  His work load was significant, yet he took the time to pass on his professional knowledge.  He explained to me his own professional “road-map”; where he was at, what it took to get him there, where he planned to be in the future, and how he was going to get there.  He demonstrated an enthusiasm not only for the job but also for instilling in me the skills to be successful.  There was always an emphasis on the importance of learning, both on and off duty.  What I found most valuable was his genuine feedback that revealed I was a valued asset to his team. 

Using the Captain as my role model, I went on to become distinguished graduate of Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, complete my Bachelor’s Degree, and start my Master’s Degree.  These accomplishments took a great deal of time outside of duty hours.  Being a family man himself, the Captain always stressed the importance of balancing professional development with taking care of one’s family.  Using his guidance, I have been able to accomplish my professional goals while also helping my amazing wife raise our six children.

Ten years have passed since I last worked with the Captain, yet the lessons I learned from him are still fresh in my mind.  I often ask myself if I am employing the professionalism, compassion, and enthusiasm that I witnessed him display on and off duty.  In addition to my children, I am responsible for Airmen of my own.  I have become known as an academic cheerleader, motivating those around me to place a greater emphasis on education.  I empathize when their struggles and celebrate with their triumphs.  Like the Captain before me, I take an invested interest in their success.  I now help my Airmen develop their own professional road-maps, advising them to avoid mistakes that I have made on my own path.  Ultimately, I seek to employ the Captain’s attribute of leading by example.  On a character level, that includes owning up to my faults and asking for forgiveness when necessary.  Rather than viewing this as a sign of weakness, I agree with the Captain that it is a sign of strength and integrity. 

            Take the time to look around and identify those around you that are your mentors in addition to those that you could be a mentor for.  Being a mentor does not require an official acknowledgment by either party.  The Captain never explicitly stated to me, “I am your mentor.”  He did not have to.  His actions demonstrated as much.