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Dr. Zink motivates Vandenberg to make positive decisions
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At a red light, we stop. At a green light, we go. However, what do we do at a yellow light?
"If you're like me you push the accelerator all the way down," said Dr. Jeffery Zink, an author and motivational speaker.
The retired lieutenant colonel came to Vandenberg to speak to Team V members about making right decisions in compromising situations or what to do at an ethical traffic light.
The event, which was held Nov. 6-8 at the base theater, gave Airmen a chance to evaluate their decision making.
Dr Zink's message about ethics and personal accountability is one that Airmen can relate to. His perspective on how an ethical framework affects the way people think, speak and act will allow Vandenberg to see itself in a different light, said Col. Steve Tanous, 30th Space Wing commander.
The speeches were coordinated around the thought that everyone already knows the big questions of what's right and what's wrong.
"I'm not here to tell you 'don't drink and drive'- you already know that," Dr. Zink said. "I'm here to help tackle those yellow-light questions that are not as clear as right and wrong."
Those questions that tend to attack the Air Force's mission accomplishment mindset.
"We are trained from day one of basic training, it doesn't matter how it's done, just get it accomplished'" he said. "This mindset, if we're not careful, can cause us to cut corners."
He used this analogy to help Airmen realize the importance of slowing down and thinking while focusing on mission accomplishment.
Following speaking engagements were feedback sessions at the Pacific Coast Club, where Airmen were allowed to give honest feedback about things that need improvement on base.
"I thought it was good," said Airman 1st Class Lorretta Haynes-Douglas, a 30th Comptroller Squadron finance specialist. "It reinforced positive thinking, which is something that everyone can use at one time or another."
Vandenberg will be hosting new speakers on a regular basis.
"Expect to see a new motivational speaker at Vandenberg every quarter," said Lindsay Buckalew, Vandenberg Health and Wellness Center director. "In a time when the Air Force is undermanned, overworked and overstressed- this is what the 30th Space Wing wants to do to take care of Vandenberg personnel."