Building the cathedral- a commentary Published Feb. 13, 2007 By Col. Roger Wujek 932nd Medical Group Scott AFB, Ill. -- I used an analogy with an audience several weeks ago that I would like to share with you. A man came across three masons who were working at chipping chunks of granite from large blocks. The first seemed unhappy at his job, chipping away and frequently looking at his watch. When the man asked what it was that he was doing, the first mason responded, rather curtly, "I'm hammering this stupid rock, and I can't wait 'til 5 when I can go home." A second mason, seemingly more interested in his work, was hammering diligently and when asked what it was that he was doing, answered, "Well, I'm molding this block of rock so that it can be used with others to construct a wall. It's not bad work, but I'll sure be glad when it's done." A third mason was hammering at his block fervently, taking time to stand back and admire his work. He chipped off small pieces until he was satisfied that it was the best he could do. When he was questioned about his work he stopped, gazed skyward and proudly proclaimed, "I...am building a cathedral." Three men, three different attitudes, all doing the same job. I realized that when I come to Scott AFB, sometimes I come to sign papers and clear out my never-ending email box. Sometimes when I come here, I talk to people and do my job as a group commander flying this desk. But every so often, I have to step back, take a breath, look at the big picture, reflect on my role in our Air Force, and proclaim that I am defending freedom. I may not be the one in the front line; I may not be the one firing the guns or plotting the war plan. But, much the same as the masons working on the granite, I am a vital and integral part of the National Strategic Agenda, to spread freedom where it does not exist and to defend it where it does. If you are a reservist doing your part for the educational benefits, thank you for your service, and I'm proud to serve with you. If you do it for the money, thank you for your service, and I'm proud to serve with you. If you do this out of a love of this country, and you don't want your kids (or grandkids) to know anything about an IED except from a history book, then I salute you and am proud to serve with you. "Defending freedom is what keeps me coming back and keeps me energized to do the very best that I can." Defending freedom is what keeps me coming back and keeps me energized to do the very best that I can. When I look at my role in this process, it is clear that I am not the designer of such an edifice, or the planner of its execution, but without me, and more importantly, without each and every one of you, our fundamental right to freedom would not be possible. Peace is not the absence of war, but rather the freedom to do what we want, when we want and worship in the manner we choose (or not at all)--freedom to come and go, and live and love, without fear.