It is common for people to thank current and former members of the military for their service. That appreciation is well deserved. Many members of our militaries have spent months and years away from their home and their families on deployments to wars zones and areas of conflict around the world and we need to thank them, and their families, for those sacrifices. It is also common to acknowledge, thank and honor the members of our militaries, past and present, for their contributions and sacrifices for our freedoms: Our freedom of speech and freedom of religion and our ability to live in a free and democratic society. Those are all appropriate. The military is the “Away Team” as they are very rarely deployed within our own borders in North America.

Once those freedoms have been earned through the sacrifices of the men and women of the military, the Away Team, we need men and women who are willing to step into professions of service within our own borders and our communities and ensure we can continue to enjoy those freedoms. That is the role of the men and women of law enforcement. They are the “Home Team”. It is common for members of the military to thank law enforcement for watching over their families and keeping them safe while they are deployed in foreign lands. A common interaction between a law enforcement profession and a military member or veteran often sounds like this, “Than you for your service. No, thank you for your service. No really, I need to be thanking you for your service. But you also serve and sacrifice and I thank you for your service.” This back and forth can go on way too long. 

Both professions are made up of men and women who are ordinary human beings, who often perform seemingly, super human tasks in very challenging situations. People in both professions have a heart of service. People in both professions suffer from the trauma they are exposed to. Mental health and suicide are major concerns in both professions. People in both professions make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes cost human life. 

If our freedoms depend on both the Away Team and the Home Team why do we then so easily turn on the Home Team?  Is it because the actions of the Away Team do not directly impact you, your family, your friends and your community? Is it because we see news coverage of the battles won in defeating an evil foreign enemy by the Away Team and generally only see news coverage when the Home Team has a seemingly “bad outcome”? We celebrate when we see pictures and videos of members of the Away Team meeting with village elders or community members in some foreign village and playing with children in those conflict riddled countries, yet ignore these daily occurrence between members of the Home Team and the communities they serve. 

We need both the Home Team and the Away Team. We need to keep showing our appreciation for the sacrifice and service of the Away Team and we need to show more love and appreciation for the Home Team, and their families, for the sacrifices they make throughout their careers. If you are a member of the ‘Silent Majority’ who do support, trust and appreciate the men and women of law enforcement please break the silence. When you see law enforcement officers be sure to express your appreciation. It is as simple as walking up and saying, “I appreciate what you do. Thank you for your service. Have a great rest of your shift.” 

What’s Important Now? This is a rough time for the Home Team. Lets show them some love, respect and appreciation. 

Take care.

Brian Willis

www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com. Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?

www.daretobegreatleadership.com The online Dare to Be Great: Strategies for Creating a Culture of Leading workshop was created to help aspiring leaders and frontline leaders on their leadership journey. Subscribe to the weekly blog while you are there. 

 

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