SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Twenty-three years have come and gone since the day I enlisted. I remember well being a 17-year-old who finally got to make a life decision on my own.

For me, joining the Air National Guard was for college money and a chance to serve. Little did I know I would get so much more than money in return. The Air Force has instilled in me their core values, which I have found to be skills for a successful life and values which I have made my own.

Integrity first
Webster's Dictionary defines "integrity" as "firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values." It also states it as "incorruptibility, an unimpaired condition," and "soundness, the quality or state of being complete or undivided -- completeness."

It also goes on to say that it is synonymous with honesty. In life the definition is part of the building blocks of all good relationships. As you build up trust with your supervisor, you earn both more responsibility and freedom.

A supervisor needs to know you can be trusted on a task, you will be present when asked and that you will do exactly what you need to do without cutting corners. Most importantly, if you make a mistake, you own up to it. Integrity earns us the respect of not only our peers but also that of supervisors, subordinates and families.

Excellence in all we do
I remember as a young Airman, loading munitions on the old A-7D fighter-bomber, my chief would fill our day with busy work. "I mean, come on," I thought at the time. I already got up before dawn to prepare and arm the aircraft for flight. I know I will have to receive and safe these aircraft when they return, not to mention cleaning the ejection systems and loading new munitions.

This would repeat itself several times a day. Why should I have busy work between flights? I remember cleaning equipment, doing foreign object detection walks, safety briefs, training videos, career development training -- you get the picture. As I look back now, I can see that the "busy work" was actually attention to detail. It was staying ahead of the curve and always being prepared. It has taught me to accomplish as much work as I can today because I may not have the time tomorrow.

Service before self
This may be the most important core value. Think of those late nights we volunteered or were "volun-told" to set up for an event. Or when someone would ask, "Who can stay late to finish an all-night unexpected break on an aircraft?" I could go on and on, but despite all those little things that get in the way of our personal lives, we have to take care of business whenever we're needed.

The truth is that we only have so many hours in a day. Often, when we hear that "life happens," we have to take care of those unexpected little things that we did not or could not account for in our normal day. We need to handle these things as they occur or someone else will suffer. Some things just can't be left for the next shift. We need to step to the plate to ensure the mission is not compromised.

Don't confuse this value as putting work before your family. As a husband and a parent, I have found this instilled value priceless. The sleepless nights from a crying newborn, the school programs, the doctor's office visits, after-school homework sessions and of course, constant driving to and from events and the shuffling of schedules to make it all happen. After you embrace and live the value you will find the rewards of putting your family first will pay back ten-fold.

Keep thinking about your values - your core values. Chances are they may match up with the Air Force's core values. They are not just a tool to get more productivity out of you. They are in fact a set of principles which will help you to succeed in life.

Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. Remember them and treasure them as your own.