Dynamics in the desert Published Sept. 20, 2008 By Senior Master Sgt. Sandra Santos 932nd Airlift Wing SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Asked what I have learned during this deployment, I can think of several things. The most significant realization is that I was profoundly a part of something much bigger than myself. Let me first say that I think prior to departing, we instinctively took re- sponsibility for our families and ourselves by developing financial plans, family sup- port systems and ensuring our employ- ment bonds were secure. Perhaps for most of us, our intrinsic desire to serve our communities and our country is what really motivated us to answer the call to duty. With that, it makes me proud to be a part of this deployment and this orga- nization. And upon our return, it is with great honor that I look forward to con- tinuing my service to the men and women of the 932nd Airlift Wing as your next Command Chief. At the heart of this deployment has been the value of community, the attitude that we are not individuals in seclusion from each other, but members of a team who depend on each other, obligated to each other's success through camaraderie. United from a multitude of bases, this deployment was rich in diversity, culture and ideas. Though dealing with diversity can be important than those which separated us. So in order to achieve a more successful mili- tary community, we had to con- tinue to recog- nize and develop everyone's po- tential and con- tribution to the team. Through- out the deploy- ment we devel- oped the ability to direct indi- vidual accom- plishments toward common goals. How- ever, effective teamwork did not grow overnight or take the place of knowing our individual jobs or how to manage the work. Self-discipline and accountability was crucial in the realization that deci- sions determined one's own rewards and consequences. Ultimately, we are responsible for our own life's successes and regrets. Thus wisdom and maturity grew from never making excuses for ourselves, but rather holding ourselves accountable to a higher standard than Even though conflict was inevitable when developing the dynamics of our team, we worked through the rough spots with successful resolution in order to deliver a finished product of service to humanity we can all be proud of. We developed friendships with other Airmen, Soldiers, and civilians - warriors. We experienced things that most of us will not soon forget. And on the way home, we carry in our profes- sional and personal toolbox lessons in solidarity, obligation to community, toler- ance, accountability, and freedom.