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Thank Someone Every Day for What They Do

   I heard someone the other day say they didn’t feel there was much to be thankful for with the economy the way it is and how things are in general.  It’s all perspective. 
Even when life is the most challenging, there is always something to be thankful for. 
  There are also people around us who could use a word of thanks.  I saw a story on the Today Show about Captain Bud Willis, who learned the importance of thanking people while serving in Vietnam in 1966. 
  Captain Bud Willis was a young marine aviator who flew several missions a day – their role was to fly wounded soldiers out of the combat area and into the hospital as quickly as possible.  Seeing their pain and suffering, he knew it was more than he could bear if he was to do his job. “So I learned to look away so I could do what I needed to do and wouldn’t watch them die.”
   One day, one particular mission stood out to Bud above the others.  They were transporting a young marine who had half of his body blown off: missing a leg, an arm, an ear and an eye.  The arm and leg were wrapped in the poncho and laid next to his soldiers’ stretcher in the helicopter.
   When they landed at the hospital pad, the crew transferred the wounded man, along with the poncho with his limbs in it, to the hospital medical staff.  Their job was done.  As they were getting ready to take off, one of the doctors motioned for the crew chief to come back over. 
  The pilot saw the crew chief lean down as the wounded soldier told him something.  Then the crew chief returned to the helicopter.   
  As they took off, he said to the Captain, “Do you know what he said to me?”  “He said to tell the pilot, ‘Thanks for the ride.’”
  Captain Willis said on the way back to the base, the crew all bawled like babies, rather than combat tested marines. He was amazed how this young soldier could see past what he was going through, and have the presence of mind to thank someone else.
  He saw that as a personal message and it changed him forever. It made him realize how important it was to look around and tell others “Thank you!” Since then, he makes a point to do that every day.  He said if we will do that, it will make our lives better. I believe him!
   Captain Bud Willis said, “We should all remember to show gratitude and to thank people every day and to thank God” Amen!

 
Joan Endicott is an internationally known Professional Speaker, Life Coach and Founder / Author of “I Get To!”®.  ETC Endicott Training & Consulting offers inspiration, humor and information to help individuals and organizations grow their teams, increase morale and productivity.  Audiences include all ages, venues and industries.  For more information: www. JoanEndicott.com, office: (208) 453-8056 Email: Joan@JoanEndicott.com