From the Former Commander Published May 28, 2010 By Lieutenant Colonel Alan C. Sierichs The USAF Band BOLLING AFB, D.C. - ...it's how you look at things -- I recall a story about a professional athlete who'd won a tournament. After collecting his prize money and walking to his car in the parking lot, someone he thought a fan wanting an autograph approached him. Instead of asking for an autograph or congratulating the athlete on winning the tournament, this person presented a sad story. It was about a very sick child and how the medical treatment was unaffordable and the prognosis was very bad. The athlete was so taken by the story, he immediately signed over his winnings check to this person to pay the medical bills. A few days later, the athlete was contacted by the local law enforcement and told the story he'd heard wasn't true. However, the law enforcement official was totally taken aback when the athlete responded, "You mean to tell me there's no sick child? Why ... that's the best news I've heard all day!" Wouldn't it be great if everybody looked at life the way this athlete did? He rejoiced in what he saw as good news. Viewing our lives with gratitude for the good things sure beats seeing the glass "half empty". I'm really thankful for the good things in my life right now--I've had about a year of working with the best, most talented and most dedicated people in the United States Air Force. The joy and awesome experience of commanding the men and women of The Air Force Band will be with me forever!