The Rear View Mirror

  • Published
  • By Col. Frank Mack
  • 932 MSG
Editor's Note: Col. Frank Mack will retire this year.

As we drive along to a destination, we periodically glance into the rear view mirror to "check our six." Sometimes it's to check for potential dangers around us, and sometimes it's to appreciate the fact that we've safely passed by the slick spots, potholes, and construction zones. Sometimes, it's just to look back at the beauty of the landscape we've passed

Looking into the rearview mirror after 30 years in the Air Force, it's hard not to check the view.

The journey began as I left Philadelphia to journey to Medina Annex for a 90-day makeover at OTS. What surprised me is that I didn't have to change too many of my habits; I just had to make them better. I can't do an 8:36 mile and a half anymore, but the emphasis on fitness as an element of life has paid off. I also clearly remember the significance of the day I understood the OTS "Big Picture."

The school Commandant was there to speak and was standing in the back of the auditorium. When the hall was called to attention, the colonel double timed from where he was standing, down the aisle, and up to the podium to talk about some other things. I got the picture as being if you want to make it there, you've got to put hustle into your effort. Things became clear after that.

There is history in the mirror. You never know who all your classmates will be and who will succeed, but it is good to remember one of my classmates, Honorable Carol DiBattiste. She was then a young three-striper who worked in the Philadelphia Recruiting Office that sent us both to Class 7T-03. After OTS and a stint as a Recruiting Officer, she attended law school, became a distinguished AF JAG, and later served as an Undersecretary of the Air Force. Another historical precedent underway at Medina Annex during that hot June - September was the first group of AF women pilots, undergoing preliminary flight screenings and pre UPT stuff. I thought it was interesting that the OTS group was ordered to offer no public comment on the matter if asked. Things we take for granted these days usually take a while to become normal. I'd say that the point of those historical insights is that if you give people a fair chance to demonstrate their skills and let them achieve, you'll have a better and more loyal organization. I believe that is what has helped to make the Air Force strong.

The mirror got a little frosty during my first duty assignment, although life as a 2 Lt was great. Griffiss AFB in Rome New York introduced me to lake-effect snow. It's impressive that with an average snow fall of over six feet a year, they only closed the base twice in the two years I was there. That was only because the blizzards that occurred cut visibility to zero. Even still, the SAC alert fleet and the F-102 interceptors still had to have their ramps, taxiways and runway clear, by order of the commander. I was glad to experience Griffiss as a first assignment because I came to appreciate that you can do a lot when you have to. Also, SAC insisted that you to play very strictly by the rules unless you were given the latitude to do otherwise. I could live with that. It's made life easy since.

At Griffiss, I remember a young AB who was painting curbs around base as was I, during the annual SAC base paint-a-thon. He couldn't see my bars at the time and he said "Man, us new guys get all the %$#@ jobs." I looked at him and said, "Man, you're right." He was shocked and apologetic after he saw the bars. I assured him I agreed with him absolutely and we both laughed. Lesson: the AB was right. Greater lesson: we're all in this together.

Fast forward to the next major scan in the mirror. In 30 years, I've been fortunate to have had only one totally despicable commander. During that assignment, as a junior captain, I learned a major lesson. That is, you cannot put your career ahead of your honor and be content. Letting that commander know that I wasn't going to go along with his negative program ultimately led to my ten years in grade as a captain. However, I can look in the mirror comfortably and sleep well to this day. It's important to draw the line of what you'll reasonably accept or tolerate.

My thirty -fifth birthday gift was a departure from active duty, and conversion to the 932d Reserve way of life. While active duty is more like a business, Reserve service is more like being part of a family. You see members grow and prosper over time in their own careers. In the mirror I've had the privilege to serve with then airmen and junior NCOs who are now the E8s and E9s in this organization and at higher headquarters. I've seen the 932nd produce a former AFRC Command Chief, Cheryl Adams. I had the privilege of performing the retirement ceremony for SMS (First Sergeant) George Conway, who, during his tenure, helped four of his five squadron commanders attain 0-6. I was fortunate to be one of them. I've seen one of my favorite commanders make Brigadier General so far. I know there'll be more 932nd family achievements.

I realize that this essay could get really lengthy. There are many things to reflect on, but we'll wrap up and call it a day. First. remember that the "slick sleeves" in your unit may become the next chiefs, colonels and even generals that will continue the unit's legacy. You owe it to them and to yourself to mentor them and respect the value and potential that they have. If you think about it, without someone to lead, YOU may not have a job. Also remember that good or bad, you only have to look at yourself in the mirror once in a while. The folks around you have to look at you more often. Don't compromise your good values; please try to fix your bad ones.

In reflecting on legacy, I was in the Air Force for nearly 20 years before I fully came to appreciate my personal legacy. As I looked at my father's WWII insignia, I realized that it was from the Army Air Corps' Engineers, the forerunners of today's Air Force Civil Engineers, my primary career field. Pay homage to those who've helped lay the foundation for your legacy.

Don't forget the real purpose of a rear view mirror. It's not designed to stare into for what's behind you; it's only for glances. The most important part of the journey is still what's ahead of you. Give your forward view your greatest attention. Forgetting that point may be hazardous to you and to others.

I hope that your rear view mirrors will fill with many pleasant reflections as you travel forward and glance back over your military service. I've thoroughly enjoyed my ride. Thanks for helping make the journey possible.