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Show 11 0 Hilltop Times Nov. 4, 1988 dB(?(f?DQC3 3jQC,?do)QDC,DDD3 DuQCDs by 1st Lt. Ann Farmer Wright-Patterso- AFB, n Ohio y mother developed arthritis when she was She fell on her knee while performing a dance routine. This was in the late 1940s. At first, she was treated for water on the knee. A year later, after going through various treatments, she was diagnosed as having arthritis. It was too late. The disease started in one knee, moved to the other, and progressed to her hips. ld. Juvenile rhuematoid arthritis is very painful. Before she started high school, therapy was needed to improve her condition. My mom's family was poor. A Combined Federal Campaign organization paid for my mother's treatment at Crotched Mountain, a rehabilitation center for handicapped youth in New Hampshire. She missed the ninth grade, but was able to return to school and eventually become the homecoming attendant at her senior prom. The charitable organization made a difference and so can you. g Each year the CFC holds a drive for organizations throughout the six-we- country. The purpose of CFC is a noble one. Researching a cure for cancer and AIDS, feeding the poor and a few of winning the war against drugs are only toward. aimed are the goals that your CFC dollars Hundreds of legitimate, quality organizations have met new federally-mandate- d requirements to be a contributions. worthy recipient of your Donations make a difference. What you give now could help save a life or ensure that one girl, like my mother, dances at her senior prom. Editor's note: Lieutenant Farmer is assigned to the AFLC Office of Public Affairs. fund-raisin- ek non-prof- it o o What would happen if people didn't show up to vote? by Col. Lewis Aronson, USAFR Kelly AFB, Texas m0'P iven the state of the art of reporting, I doubt very many Americans of voting age are not aware of the general election on Tuesday. Many people and issues will be put to the political test. One contest whose outcome will most certainly have national and worldwide impact will be the election of the 41st president of the United States. It's DukakisBentsen vs. BushQuayle, and the race is on. The fundamental principle of representative government is that the people shall be governed by officers of their own choosing. One duty citizens have in a democracy is to take part in the work of government by voting at the polls. I fear we would not be a republic for very long if our citizens could not, or would not vote freely for the candidates they felt could govern best. In 1980, 80 million Americans voted. There were, however, more than 160 million citizens of voting age. In 1984, there were an estimated 174 million Americans of voting age, but only 90 million went to the polls. This apparent lack of voter interest is alarming and something we should not be proud of. Do I sense the correct meaning of this public indifference? "My vote doesn't matter; it's only one vote. How could it possibly matter?" "I'm such a small part of the big picture, my voice could never be heard above the roar of the bureaucratic machinery." "I just don't see how I can make a difference." These cliches are far from the truth. What better way to express your hopes, dreams and ambitions for the future, than by making your choice at the ballot box? The health of any democracy depends upon the participation of its members. It's a terrible thing to hold an election and have hardly anyone show up. Get involved this election year. Know the issues and the candidates. Encourage your friends and coworkers to do the same. On Tuesday, get out and vote. Our experiment with the of people, by the "government the people" just may people and for not continue to succeed if you don't. 212-year-o- ld Ector's notes Colonel Aronson Directorate of base's works at his Maintenance. Article courtesy of AFLC News Service. Lof. oji jx?" Not bad, Pickens. But I'd make the foxhole a little wider." Command's new focus needs active participation to work smoothly by Col. Ronald D. Via Wright-Patterso- n AFB, Ohio lOuring the past six to 12 months, there has been a lot of discussion about a "new" focus on improving the quality of the products and services that we provide in Air Force Logistics Command. Much of that discussion has centered on the use of process action teams. By now I hope you know a little about PATs. There have been many training sessions explaining PAT functions and the tools available to analyze a work process. For now, it's sufficient to understand that a PAT is a working group trying to find a better way to do the job. So, if you're not part of a PAT, does that mean you're not involved with the quality program? Of course, the answer is no. That leaves us with the question of what we can and should do as individuals to promote quality work in our jobs. The following is a checklist used in distribution to go about conducting daily business: m s Know your customers. Who uses your product or service? Your customer can be the person at the next desk, or on the other end of the telephone, at another command's base or your supervisor. Are your customers merely satisfied with what you do for them or are they ecstatic your work very quickly becomes a trademark that will either open or close career doors. Finally, we arrive at the big question why? Why should I care about the quality program? The answer is not a simple one different things motivate different people. Try some of these on for 66 We do not accept anything other than quality... If you don't want to be part of the team then you better walk out the size: door... 99 Gen. Alfred G. Hansen AFLC commander T about how well you get the job done? y Understand the work process. Don't blame the process. If it doesn't work, then institute a change. A PAT will help with the big issues, but for some of the y problems, perhaps talking with a coworker or supervisor will be enough to day-to-da- improve the process and make a difference for your customer. Accept ownership responsibility. Imagine your name and work reputation go with every job you do. Don't casually sign off on something because you think someone else will nna the problems. The quality of i . is Personal pride in doing the job v right. Limited resources force us to find better ways to get the job done. Poor quality and rework are expensive. Eliminating redundant and nonproductive work makes the job more enjoyable and gives all of us a sense of accomplishment. v It's your tax dollar at work-w- hy not spend it wisely? It's good for your career as well as the future of your organization. I'm sure there are many more that you can add to the list. The bottom line: constantly improving the process is going to be a way of life in AFLC. For whatever individual reason you have, now is the time to sign up as a member of the quality team. Do something that makes a difference in your job today. IcSitor's note: Colonel Via is the Air Force Logistics Command deputy chief of staff for distribution. Article courtesy AFLC News Service |
