Commentary -- TEAM KADENA...IT'S MARCH MADNESS!

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Seung Paik
  • 18th Comptroller Squadron commander
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Would you believe I picked Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, and Kansas to make the Final Four! While I'm at it, I'm picking the 18th Wing Staff Agencies ("WSA - You Need Us!") to win Kadena's Intramural Basketball championship! Now some may say, "Paik (pronounced Pack) is talking smack," but here are eight enduring reminders we can all embrace about March Madness.

1. David vs. Goliath: Norfolk State, who? Lehigh, what? Trust me, Missouri and Duke know who these schools are...15th-seeds defeating two of the nation's powerhouse programs. Every year, the Final Four tournament brings forth "David vs. Goliath" moments. Unfamiliar underdogs slaying well-known giants. We love these achievements because they inspire us and remind us that strength, size and reputation do not guarantee victory. But in life's greatest challenges, the intangibles of heart, faith, and courage often matter the most. Are you up against a giant challenge, personally or professionally? Seem like overwhelming odds? Keep fighting, keep battling, keep scrapping. You'll be amazed at what desire, effort, and attitude can overcome.

2. Win or Go Home: Ah yes ... the "all or nothing" nature of tournament elimination, where every play, every loose ball, every second matters. The pressure of "one and done" demands a heightened level of urgency, energy and execution. What a great reminder for all of us, as we daily support a "Win or Go Home" mission. As members of Team Kadena, we are the "Keystone to the Pacific." Our nation depends 100% on us to "Fight tonight, and win tomorrow." May our level of urgency, energy, and execution reflect the importance of our strategic role in the Pacific.

3. Diaper Dandies! We often forget how young these kids are. Three of Kentucky's starters are 19-year old Freshmen! Many may recall Michigan's Fab Five of the '90's, five Freshmen who led their team into the Championship game. "Diaper Dandies" may be young, but they're hungry...wanting the ball at crunch time, comfortable under sport's biggest spotlight. This doesn't happen overnight, but over the course of a season through the trust and support of their coaches and teammates. They become fearless leaders ready to seize pressure situations with composure, confidence, and maturity. Team Kadena, we have our own "Diaper Dandies" in every unit. Do you know who they are? Find them, equip and encourage them, invest in them over a season...then stand back and watch them take off.

4. Pure Passion: No doubt, college basketball has become a huge business. Dollar signs everywhere, especially for the television networks and universities. But when I see the players and how hard they compete, I believe it's still...just about basketball. They play for the purity and passion of the game, to be the best they can be. They sacrifice for their teammates, boast in their school, and rejoice with the student body. Pure passion. What about our service in the profession of arms? Is it with that same sense of purity and passion that we uphold the oath we've all taken, believing that our country is the "last best hope on earth." It's good to periodically check one's motives for service, so that it never becomes just another day at the office, another paycheck, a countdown to retirement, or a mere pursuit of one's next assignment/promotion.

5. 68 Teams...1 Goal: It's all about diversity baby! The field of 68 represents wide demographics, contrasting backgrounds with various styles of play. In 2006, some may say the Air Force Academy (future officers) had no business playing North Carolina (future NBA stars)...yet the game was close! Each team, united by the same goal, earned the respect of the other as their different styles pushed the limits of excellence. It defines the magic of this tournament...diversity generating excellence, through the pursuit of a common goal. In many ways, that's our operational Air Force: diverse units and career fields assembled with members from all walks of life. Unified by a common creed, we embrace diversity as it propels greater organizational excellence through different ideas, different styles, different backgrounds and cultures. Respect for such diversity enables the AF to enter new heights as we hold fast to one common goal...to fly, fight, and win!

6. Leave It All On The Floor: Nothing like watching players dive on the floor, laying it all on the line, giving their absolute best for 40 minutes. The best do it for an entire season. It demonstrates an "All In" commitment...so win or lose, there are no regrets. When players and coaches are "All In," it often culminates in tears of sadness or tears of joy. Commitment and sacrifice engage the emotions. So Team Kadena, are we "All In" as Airmen? As parents? As spouses? As volunteers? If so, don't be surprised and definitely don't be ashamed if you get choked up from time to time...perhaps a sign that you've "left it all on the floor."

7. They call it the ROAD to the Final Four: From sweet to elite, final four to champion, there are many twists and turns ready to knock off 68 teams, with only one survivor. For some, just entering the road is celebration enough. But for those seeking a Championship, it's all about taking key lessons from the journey and step-by-step building a Championship program. Look at the four teams in this year's Final Four...Kentucky, Kansas, Ohio State, and Louisville. All have been there many times before. It's a testament to their Championship culture and their Core Values. Cinderella teams come and go, players and coaches PCS, but those who establish a Championship culture and build a Championship program are on a lasting Road to success. Team Kadena, we're on the Road to the UCI in October! How well is your unit applying key lessons from the past? Is your unit nothing more than a "Cinderella" or is the right culture being established for lasting success?

8. One Shining Moment...Our Time to Make History: When the tourney ends, the song, "One Shining Moment," will sound as the tournament's top highlights are re-played. It's a CARPE DIEM message...seize the moment, seize the experience. Team Kadena, we're making history right now. As America's political strategy and attention is turning toward the Pacific, our Airmen are at the forefront of this shining moment in history, as we stand to deliver unmatched combat power 365-days a year. We live March Madness every day. Don't you forget it!