GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- As an Airman leader, it helps to look at everything with the mindset of the glass being half full. As president of the Airman's Council, I strive to reflect that approach in my actions and decisions. Being in a leadership position teaches you to better yourself. My intention for running for president of the AAC was not for the title or the 'power', but rather to serve the Airmen who stand alongside me. That is the reason for my motivation--I want to make a difference.

After our duty day, we all lead different lives. Some of us have this mindset that we are no longer Airman John Doe, but we are now John. We forget that we are still Airmen 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the day our contracts end. Every single one of us is in a leadership role because we chose to be here. We chose to protect our loved ones, our country and keep what we fought for. We do what 99% of the country is apprehensive about doing.

The Airman's Council constitution and by-laws state the council members are there for the well-being and morale of the Airman. I believe we are more than that. This year's council is here to change how our Airmen here at Grand Forks Air Force Base look at our chosen branch of service. More than likely, most of us did not choose to be assigned to North Dakota. Since we are here, we have to look at the glass as half full. The base community here is small, which means you are closer to your peers, and it is easier to gather a good support system here than at a larger base. We want the Airmen to leave this base knowing that they made the most of their time here, and that Grand Forks really isn't all that bad. It's all about what you make of it.

I look forward to serving the Airmen and look forward to what 2011 has in store for us all.