You may not think about greatness and kindness in the same sentence, however, this blog is about honoring greatness found in everyday kindness. On my recent visit to the United States Air Force Academy, a military academy for officer cadets of the United States Air Force in Colorado Springs, I discovered greatness does not exclude kindness. I learned that airmen are taught to live and serve with a commitment to three core values: “Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in all they do.” Service before self is explained as “An Airman’s professional duties take precedence over personal desires. Every Airman is expected to have the discipline to follow rules, exhibit self-control and possess respect for the beliefs, authority and worth of others.” This respect is where kindness breeds.
This campus is truly a national treasure. I knew the aircrafts on their grounds would be interesting to my husband. What I did not expect was the beautiful chapel, a modern cathedral. I had seen pictures but being there was truly awe inspiring. The chapel was breathtaking with the majestic Southern Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Standing inside the chapel looking out at the stunning mountains through the beautiful stained glass windows was a refreshing moment for the soul.
It was magnificent and peaceful simultaneously. I could imagine all the great leaders that had prayed in those pews, for their own safety and our country’s safety.
No matter what the cadets’ religion; there was a place for them to worship how they wished in a separate section of this beautiful chapel. Each faith has their own space. This is what religious freedom is about, tolerance for diversity. I can’t think of a better example of exhibiting American ideals of religious freedom. All of these religions coexisting, all of these cream of the crop cadets learning leadership skills to serve and to protect our country with honor. This is what religious freedom is about, this is what makes America so great: people of all religions protecting our country. The diversity among the cadets does not divide them; they are still able to work as a unit. I realized a prerequisites for kindness is tolerance. It is hard to be kind to someone if you can not tolerate them. The airmen and women are living the core value of “respect for the beliefs, authority and worth of others.”
One of the sophomores’ priorities is to learn “to promote mutual respect, fairness, and divinity in interactions.” This is so profound, I wish living this would be mandatory for every politician. How insightful were the cadet curriculum developers, to know great leadership is based on “mutual respect, fairness, and divinity in interactions.” Truly one of the influence’s that have created great Air Force Officers who are also great leaders. It was inspiring to walk where these great leaders have walked. Being on the campus has restored my faith in how great America is.
Staying in Touch: Barbara Hirsh can be reached at info@LiveKinder.com I love hearing your kindness stories. Please sign-up for a weekly kindness message at www.LiveKinder.com or follow LiveKinder on Facebook!
