Out of Comfort Zone Connections, Part III - Reaching Out

It is easiest to stick to your own unit and not branch out to meet people in other sections. But I learned from this deployment how fulfilling it is to get to know others. We built a community from a bare base and the environment helped us bond as a team and military family. Our immediate unit is a familiar tribe, a group of people like us, safe and comfortable. I recommend expandind and connecting with those in other teams and fields. It broadens your perspective and is fun.

We lived on a postage stamp and walked everywhere. Walking enabled more opportunities to interact. We walked from the trailers/tents, to work, to the nearest porta-potty, or gym. It allowed us a break away and stop, to smell the…dust in the air. With a small town feel, most of us knew each other. The crunch of gravel underfoot, it was always nice to walk by a small group and join the conversation. I heard the countdown of days before departure. Listened about loved ones back home. And enjoyed funny stories about workplace challenges. It reminded me how important it is to pause in our days to have short, but meaningful conversations. Asking somebody, “How are you?” and really listening for the answer. It can be easy to get caught up in our immediate workspace. But when force ourselves to step away to chat; we gain a broader and more unique network.

When we are willing to reach across barriers and take the time to get to know someone who is not “like us,” we gain more. Expanding our network broadens mentorship opportunities. Finding mentors in a different career field expands your skill set. They may have a specific quality you admire and would like to strengthen in yourself. Get to know them and grow. I had the opportunity to watch and learn from a maintenance officer. I learned how effective a calm and observant leadership style can be. Calm is not my middle name… and I appreciated his patience and time. A pilot taught me how to spin a pen on my hand (I ALWAYS wanted to learn how to do that!).

It is natural to assume others might not want to get to know you. That assumption is incorrect. For those in law enforcement, base personnel tend to not want to talk to us or are cautious in interactions. I went out of my way to smile and make myself more approachable. It was necessary for my job to be available when needed. Yet my unit was so small, I needed interaction with others to not feel isolated. I got to know many incredible young airmen and soldiers (some 20 years old!) and in these relationships, I made myself vulnerable to them by being the ‘old’ talkative major. They kindly tolerated, listened to, and also shared with me. They inspired and motivated me daily. Their enthusiasm for the mission and job was contagious. I had the honor and privilege of re-enlisting two members. I got to witness them dedicate more of their time and service to the Air Force. I would not have had the opportunity had I not tried reach out to them first.

Most everyone agreed this deployment was unique. The circumstances and leadership created a positive and productive environment. This combination encouraged us us all to reach beyond our unit and service. We all connected over the mission and left amazed at what we created. Blown away at all the changes from beginning to end. The personal connections made along the way are what will last long after the base we built, closes again.