What's in a Name?
"Regardless of differences, we strive shoulder to shoulder... Teamwork can be summed up in five short words: "We believe in each other." "~Author Unknown
My baseball team is in the playoffs. For the first time in the franchise's history, there is baseball in my town in October. This is a Cinderella story if we have ever seen one. This small ball club, without any big named players , has made it to the final four teams and trudges on as if they don't know any better. When commentators from out of town are calling the plays for our team, they don't know who our players are. There are famous players on the other teams who make as much in their salary as over half our team gets paid.
Last night it was summed up so perfectly by the sportscaster on tv. The reason these guys continue to play well is because they are a Team. The name on the front of their Jerseys is more important than the names on the back. Baseball Jerseys have the team name on the front and the back is adorned with a players last name and their number. You only have to ask my 7 year old son how important his baseball number is. It has becomes private property, his number, and he has started to scrutinize every professional player who shares his number. Arguably, it takes a lot for that number to take second stage or a players name to be second fiddle to the name of the team.
When the team comes first, incredible things happen. Like playing in the playoffs when nobody knows your name.
This is true in the military as well. For a Soldier, their names are on strips on the front of their uniform. On the right side is their last name, on the left side the strip reads "US Army". The left side is the heart side. This is where we put our hand during the pledge of allegiance. The unit patch, their team designation, goes on their left shoulder. I've watched as numerous Servicemembers have deployed in support of disaster relief as well as war and there is definitely a team mentality. I would wager to guess that the patch on their shoulder, the tape over their heart has first priority to the name on their right. This dedication to team is why they sacrifice so much, why they miss birthday's and anniversaries and the birth of children. This dedication to something bigger than themselves is why they endure months away from home and conditions that are horrific. My husband's belief in the team he works with is so strong, his dedication to the organization he belongs to, that it is a vital part of who he is. He stands shoulder to shoulder with people who believe the same.
It is inspiring to see such selfless humility.
Our freedoms depend on this team and they take that mission incredibly seriously.
My baseball team is in the playoffs. For the first time in the franchise's history, there is baseball in my town in October. This is a Cinderella story if we have ever seen one. This small ball club, without any big named players , has made it to the final four teams and trudges on as if they don't know any better. When commentators from out of town are calling the plays for our team, they don't know who our players are. There are famous players on the other teams who make as much in their salary as over half our team gets paid.
Last night it was summed up so perfectly by the sportscaster on tv. The reason these guys continue to play well is because they are a Team. The name on the front of their Jerseys is more important than the names on the back. Baseball Jerseys have the team name on the front and the back is adorned with a players last name and their number. You only have to ask my 7 year old son how important his baseball number is. It has becomes private property, his number, and he has started to scrutinize every professional player who shares his number. Arguably, it takes a lot for that number to take second stage or a players name to be second fiddle to the name of the team.
When the team comes first, incredible things happen. Like playing in the playoffs when nobody knows your name.
This is true in the military as well. For a Soldier, their names are on strips on the front of their uniform. On the right side is their last name, on the left side the strip reads "US Army". The left side is the heart side. This is where we put our hand during the pledge of allegiance. The unit patch, their team designation, goes on their left shoulder. I've watched as numerous Servicemembers have deployed in support of disaster relief as well as war and there is definitely a team mentality. I would wager to guess that the patch on their shoulder, the tape over their heart has first priority to the name on their right. This dedication to team is why they sacrifice so much, why they miss birthday's and anniversaries and the birth of children. This dedication to something bigger than themselves is why they endure months away from home and conditions that are horrific. My husband's belief in the team he works with is so strong, his dedication to the organization he belongs to, that it is a vital part of who he is. He stands shoulder to shoulder with people who believe the same.
It is inspiring to see such selfless humility.
Our freedoms depend on this team and they take that mission incredibly seriously.
THERE go my allergies again! Such words from the heart, and I know exactly the kind of people they are I live with them too!
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Thanks Lu! Aren't we blessed to be part of the team that is the US military? ~ Pam
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