COMMENTARY: The power of one Published Sept. 23, 2014 By Col. Matthew J. Burger 349th Air Mobility Wing Commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Our shared Air Force history is replete with examples of a single Airman making a difference. Here at Travis Air Force Base, we celebrate the achievements of visionaries like Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, a reservist, who envisioned and executed the daring raid on the Japanese mainland in April 1942. On a more personal note, I can think of Airmen I have served with that likewise, had a profound impact on my development as an Air Force officer. Senior Master Sgt. Ed Ware was one such professional. The production supervisor of a combined three Aircraft Maintenance sections, I began working with him in my capacity as unit scheduler. Our unit was tasked to support Operations Southern and Northern Watch. He had the added responsibility to support both a test squadron, as well as the fighter weapon school. Ware had the daunting task of generating combat capability in support of the Central Command area of responsibility, while also ensuring two other critical missions were supported. He did all this with a very small fleet of nine aircraft, four of which were routinely deployed. To make matters worse, he had three fairly young officers fighting for these scarce resources, each of whom had only a small understanding of maintenance operations. Not only did Ware educate me on the details of aircraft generation, but I learned how to manage our most precious resource, our people. He mentored me, ensuring that at the conclusion of our tour together, I was a not only a more knowledgeable officer, but I had developed new core competencies including leadership skills. Regardless of your role within an organization, you too have the opportunity to make a difference. Recent events here at Travis AFB remind all of us that through our efforts, we can influence not only the mission, but the people accomplishing the mission. Just recently, Airman Cody Nunez, a 21st Airlift Squadron loadmaster, was essential in saving the life of a Navy Seal during a mission in the Africa Command AOR. More recently, Master Sgt. Russ Wooten, while traveling home following the UTA, came upon a car accident. He provided life-saving medical treatment to a victim of the accident before EMTs could respond. While those examples provide clear evidence of the impact one Airman can have, I challenge you to examine what a difference you make every day, in your work area. I'm asking that you to take stock of your role in supporting the Air Force mission and those you impact both directly, and indirectly. Show up to work every day, ready to make a difference. That's the power of one.