Hard work and dedication

For the past few months I have watched my partner help put together the computers for the new Neil Ash USO Center at San Diego airport.

From deciding on Chromebooks, to purchasing, to setting up the workstations, to finding a printer, installing Skype, and doing the documentation, I was able to witness first-hand how research, hard work, dedication, commitment, and planning — when combined with the big-picture vision — makes a huge difference in the lives of those whom one serves. It’s especially inspiring to see a team working together towards their stated goal.

Congratulations on opening the new center!

The mission of USO San Diego is to enhance the quality of life for U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families worldwide and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities and involved or supporting civilian communities.

Largest USO Center in the World Opens at Lindbergh Field

San Diego gets Largest Military Airport Lounge

Band is all about teamwork

It’s great to be a part of a team, when all effort is towards a common goal and each individual’s participation makes the biggest difference. Here’s to all the kids and adults who help make beautiful music — a round of applause to you. Bravo!

My son is in the percussion section at the local middle school band. It’s been a long road for him to go from having the most basic of understandings for rhythm, to being a valued and highly enthusiastic member of his team. I like the idea of challenge, growth through opportunity, and constant focus on increasing your skills. Band provides all of this and a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility – it’s a great place for a middle schooler!

I was in band back in the day (“this one time at band camp”) and yes, I proudly admit to being a “bando”. I was even a sectional leader for a brief time, and to this day I am in touch with the other players in my section. Music, discipline, accountability, and fun – it was a winning combination then and it is now.

Thanks to all of you who are  music makers. “For heights and depths no words can reach, music is the soul’s own speech.” – Henry David Thoreau