Goodbye 2008, hello 2009

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE -- 2008 has come and gone and as we begin 2009, it is important to take a look back on the past 12 months.

For many of us, 2008 brought numerous accomplishments in our lives. For some, that elusive degree was completed, that line number for promotion was finally achieved, that retirement day arrived (closing one chapter and beginning a new one), or a deployed service member came home to a loving family and a grateful nation. For others, 2008 brought them one step closer to the accomplishments mentioned above.

When I look back to the beginning of 2008, I couldn't have imagined the things we would do or learn, or the places we would go in 12 months. The year brought transition for most of us, including myself. I had a career reassignment from the communications career field to equal opportunity (EO) in May. Through EO I've seen the world in a different light, such as how the world sees us and how we as Americans see each other; how opportunities for change can blossom through dialogue, and how each of us have the ability to serve others, regardless of our differences or backgrounds.

2008 also created opportunities for the Cannon community to continue working with and serving the Clovis community. Some had the honor of attending a Military Appreciation Banquet sponsored by Faith Christian Family Church, or had the opportunity to participate in the annual downtown Independence Day parade. Maybe you had the chance to participate in the Veteran's Day speaking engagement at Clovis High School or assisted in teaching, tutoring, and mentoring Clovis elementary school students, or providing volunteer services at the Lighthouse Mission to serve meals, and share stories with, hundreds of Clovis residents.

Finally, 2008 brought many deployments and TDYs. For me, three months of 2008 were spent training at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., and Knoxville McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn. These places, despite their size and big-city attractions, made me appreciated the small-town hospitality and closeness of Cannon Air Force Base and the Clovis community that much more.

Now we've said goodbye to 2008 and hello to 2009. In addition to our usual New Year resolutions, there's always the hope that this year will be even better than the last.

There will be plenty of new challenges and goals in 2009. Some will be embraced individually, while others will be embraced together, as a community. With every challenge, there will be unlimited possibilities and opportunities. 

2008 is gone, 2009 is here, so let us begin!