One team, one fight Published March 16, 2011 By Senior Master Sgt. Charles J. Rudy 451st EOG First Sergeant KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- At least once in our military careers, most of us have heard "One Team, One Fight." When reflecting on this phrase, most everyone comes away with a similar thought: everyone working together to accomplish the mission. At our home stations, we perform our duties to the best of our abilities and at the end of the day, go home to our families. It's the job that we each know and love; it's what we do and who we are. Have you ever taken the time to reflect on how YOUR performance affects the team in being able to perform the mission? "One Team, One Fight" truly encompasses the daily operations at Kandahar and outreaching Forward Operating Bases. All of a sudden, you find yourself deployed to an unfamiliar location, gone are the familiar faces and daily routines of home. We quickly find out "One Team, One Fight" has a greater meaning; it's tangible and easier to recognize its role in the big picture. Take a look around and see the diversity at Kandahar: United States Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty; foreign branches of service; DOD civilians; contractors; third country nationals and the list goes on. Everyone has their specific role, no matter how small it appears at first glance. We turn wrenches to keep our airframes, vehicles, machinery, and communication equipment functional to maintain the ability to stay mobile, agile and hostile. We man critical observation posts, guard the flightline, and patrol outside-the-wire to keep the base populace safe so our members remain ready to fight. We support, maintain and fly planes in order to drop cargo to our isolated outposts and transport personnel to and from Afghanistan. We fly into hot zones to save our wounded, or to take the fight to the enemy to assist ground forces, no matter their nationality or patch they wear on their uniform. We push the forms to request supplies, food, gas and more. We analyze images and collect data that will potentially save a life or provide us an advantage. We provide critical medical care to save lives or keep our force healthy. We build roads and runways. We maintain supplies, keep records, and account for personnel. The list is endless. Each of us serves as a critical member of "One Team, One Fight." Think of what you do and whom it may affect. If you need to stay late or come in early to help someone out, is it really that much to ask? If you don't get a day off because a member needs YOUR help, again is it too much to ask? Always keep this in mind, it's not about you, it's about the person next to you. After attending a dignified transfer, I came away with obvious sadness, but also with an observation. I noticed hundreds of military members, from various nations and each of our services well-represented. They were there to show respect and gratitude to a fallen member of the team. We have core values for a reason. They keep us grounded. They remind us of the "team." Take pride and work together day in and day out. Stay focused with a sense of urgency and attention to detail. What you do and how you do it can and will make a difference to the team.