Jul. 30, 2007 - Awards With A Purpose
Have you ever watched an award show? I’m talking about those extravagant evenings where actors are honoured for giving a good performance. I have, if only to see what the ladies would be wearing. It’s fun to see if your favourite movie wins an award, but whenever I see these shows I always wonder what really is the point. So much pomp and celebration for the ones who entertained with the most talent. These same ones who win the awards probably also made the most money. But it’s not about the money. It’s about…what is it about, anyway?
Contrast these overindulgent evenings with the simple ceremony I attended this morning. It, too, was an award ceremony. But it had a point. There were about 9 awards given out by the Wing Commander to people who had given above and beyond their normal duties on our base. They were small awards – a plaque was awarded to each recipient – but they were sincere. One Master Corporal received the Wing Commander’s Commendation for his dedication when, after a 12 hour shift, he noticed a fire burning on the back section of the base. They didn’t realize how close it was to the housing, or how much devastation could have been wreaked if it had not been dealt with quickly, but this young man stayed on duty and helped carry equipment and work with the firefighters until the fire was put out. This is just one example of the commendations given out this morning. These are people who did more than their job – and did it without extra pay, since military members are not given over-time pay. They simply saw a need and took care of it, making the operations on the base run more smoothly, more safely, or simply better. These are people who understand the importance of the base operations, do their jobs diligently, and sometimes go the extra mile to make things better.
Better for whom? Better for those who enjoy living in the free society these men & women so willingly defend. But I have spoken about that before, so I won’t discuss it now.
I was privileged to attend this ceremony as a member of the band, since the band was receiving the honour of being named “Team of the Quarter.” Each quarter several people are chosen by the Wing Commander to receive various quarter awards, and this time it was the band who was recognized as a team that gives of their own time and efforts to benefit our base and the military in general. After the reason for our selection was read, the Wing Commander had a few more words to say in appreciation of the band. He recognized that we represent the military when we perform in uniform, and present a positive face to the community. He acknowledged our support of wing functions, such as welcoming visiting diplomats with their specific national anthems, performing at parades, entertaining at mess dinners, and raising money for the Great Escape Memorial Project. He noted that all of the work we put into these functions is done voluntarily and in our own spare time. Very few of the functions are during working hours – most are during off hours, as are all our rehersals, not to mention the time we put into practicing at home. Well, to be honest, we do it because we love it. We love our instruments and the band. We love performing with the band and have a lot of fun doing it. And we all believe in the importance of supporting our military. But it is awfully nice to have our efforts acknowledged.
Those honoured this morning did something extra. They believe in what they do and put something of themselves into it to help the defense of our country and others. The ceremony was quiet and short, but it was sincere and it honoured real accomplishments with real purpose. What a contrast to the wastefully decadent evenings those in the entertainment world put on for themselves.
