Service Member Support: Positive Attitude in the Military

While listening to music after physical training, I realized how easily our perspectives can change. A funny moment can be turned into something sad so quickly. It made me think about all the people in the military and their perspectives, easily changing by our stressors, the environment, or personal issues in our life.

For me, what has a large impact on one’s perspective is an individual’s attitude. Your attitude can make a situation better or worse in an instant. Yes, while you may be suffering through grueling and frustrating hours or maybe being counseled about your mistakes, your attitude is what makes the difference.

"This scene reminded me of the value of friends with positive and caring attitudes."

A gray cat named Tom fell in love with the white cat. He went above and beyond to get her anything and everything to make her happy. Every time he came back with something that literally took pieces of him each time. She would deny him because another cat had the same thing but better, newer, and more shiny.

In the end, Tom becomes depressed because of his loneliness. He decides that he just doesn’t want to be around anyone anymore. The mouse Jerry, who normally fights with the cat, starts to notice that Tom is going through trouble. Tom was drinking excessive amounts of milk, not doing his normal activities, and secluding himself away from others. The mouse reaches out and after a hard conversation, things slowly go back to normal. Positive friends make the difference, helping your through tough times in healthy ways.

To all the new service members coming to Korea for the first time and those who get married in basic training, this message is for you. I know you are a little worried about the first step into the military but these steps can help.

• Practice resiliency most of all.

• Determine what you want and be ready for the future. Have faith in people. Don’t treat personal and work relationships as if it is going to fail, but understand that life happens. Like nature, things change. When relationships go through difficult times, don’t let that scare you into the thought that every relationship is going to be the same. You never know the future and who is willing to support you in just the right ways.

• Be like Jerry. If you see someone and they look down or they are acting peculiar, talk to them. It doesn’t have to be about the issue, but just have a conversation. People will slowly open up, and more times than not, a random conversation can lead to an answer without even trying.

• Treat all defeats as a learning experience. Learn from your mistakes. Be a leader and pass that knowledge on to others so they do not make the same mistakes.

• Give 100% and don’t pay attention to those who aren’t doing the same.

“Be the answer to the question 'why’ because in this world asking questions will always lead to more questions. Be the answer." - SPC Rogers

Let’s recap. Attitude and the right friends makes a difference. Learn from your past mistakes. Oh and one more, if you have poor leadership, I understand. It’s easy to blame and complain about them, but be a service member with integrity. Be professional. Lift your head up and take notes. Tell yourself “I will be a better leader”. If anyone wants to talk about their experience or just needs someone to listen to them, reach out. I will take the time to be that ear for you.