Give the gift of service Published Dec. 3, 2009 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Air Mobility Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- There's an amazing story about a 38-year-old man named Barton Brooks who left his job as a New York real estate broker to travel to less developed countries on just $20 a day to see who he could help. He spent his time traveling all over the world and still wanted to do that, but he also wanted to give something to the people in the areas he visited. Whether it's helping an elderly person move into a village, helping a Cambodian grandmother shop for hens, or building restrooms for a school in Kenya, Barton is on the ground following through on a simple question: "What can I do for you today?" From his non-profit organization's Web site, he said, "Traveling to take pictures and collect souvenirs started feeling a bit hollow, and it was in Cambodia where I finally was inspired to make a difference. I changed my life to reflect that, and started my little organization to create projects through random acts of service around the world." So at the beginning of 2009, Barton set off with a camera in hand to document a year-long journey to work, as he says "Guerrilla Aid" style, and to document the results of what donations from friends and strangers have done for real, individual people. For instance, he met a couple in Katmandu who had taken in 40 orphans from off the streets. Though the children were sleeping on concrete floors, they were laughing and tumbling around. He shared that with his online friends and quickly had enough money to buy them bunk beds, kitchen supplies, a water tank and awning for the roof of the house. It's inspiring to find out about people like Barton. I admire what he's doing. There are many of us who can read about his adventures, follow along on his blog and help where and when we can too. He has inspired hundreds of volunteers who have taken their vacation time to travel with him or meet up with him to help with the project of the day. It hasn't been an easy life for him doing this. There are times when he's been stranded, had dysentery and other illness and most recently hit head on by a vehicle while riding a motorbike. After eight surgeries in the U.S. on his legs and arms, he's getting ready to head back to Uganda to finish overseeing some projects there. It reinforces to me that there are really good people out there helping to solve problems at their own levels, doing what they can whether large or small. Though he's not an Air Force member, he certainly embodies the core characteristics of Service Before Self. There also are many of you whom I associate with who embody this trait. I've seen it demonstrated during these past few weeks as you gave of yourselves, not only to the mission, but to each other, the communities around us and continue to do so monetarily during the Combined Federal Campaign season when giving of your substance will go to countless numbers of agencies and people in need. This is the time of year when our thoughts are naturally turned to those less fortunate. We look around us and see what needs to be done, and Team Scott always finds a way to "get 'er done." There is still much need out there, but that's why I'm proud to serve among so many of you who are generous and thoughtful, and who are inspirations to those around them. Perhaps when we're trying to decide what to "give the person who has everything" or how to make this holiday season more meaningful, I think any gift of service will far outweigh and be far more memorable than what was on sale during Black Friday. I certainly consider your service to our nation a gift that is given all year, and I can never tell you enough how much I truly appreciate what you do. Your tireless dedication and devotion is what keeps us moving, keeps our families intact and keeps our nation free. Thanks for a truly priceless gift!