The path of success Published Feb. 25, 2011 By Joseph Rindone 377th Maintenance Squadron Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- One of my co-workers encourages us daily to be better people -- she gets few thanks, yet, she strives to instill good character in all of us. Why am I mentioning this? Unless you have been on the moon for the last 10 years, you know we are faced with many challenges in our lives and more often than not, we may find ourselves in difficult and demanding situations. We work earnestly to get our jobs done; so what can we to do to create a more productive office or shop? We can begin by engaging with our immediate sphere of influence. With just three thoughts, you can establish a path for success. First, act justly and fairly in everything. Second, encourage kindness, patience and understanding for everyone. Third, be humble -- exhibit self-control always. Remember always that our character is built on the sacrifices and challenges our forefathers experienced. We've inherited their courage to engage, perform and accomplish the most daunting tasks. Our imagination and creativity is and always will be unparalleled. My favorite patriotic song is, "Proud to be an American." Listen to it as it conjures up deep national pride and emotions. You can have pride at work and in the products you create as a team and a civil servant. As Department of Defense civil servants, we are part of a bigger family that is proud, loyal and faithful.