A new year offers new beginnings Published Dec. 31, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Team Sheppard prepares to say "good-bye" to 2009 and greets the New Year with positive attitudes, goals and messages Dec. 31. Col. Marcia Rossi, 82nd Training Wing Director of Staff, said she encourages her fellow wingmen to persevere with their plans for their futures and careers because "2009 is behind us." "As we enter this new year, let's remember those things that didn't go well in 2009, 2008 and beforehand," she said. "Take these lessons and set ideals for the coming year." Colonel Rossi said these ideals should be personal goals. "Don't blow them off," she said. "Don't lose sight of why you set the goal in the first place. It may be hard, but you will feel an extreme sense of pride by the accomplishment." Staff Sgt. Denver Jones, an engineering technician, said he agrees with the colonel. His advice to Sheppard is to have a self-reminder every morning of every set goal, why the goal is important and analyze the progress. "I look forward to the new opportunities and experiences ahead of us," he said. "We are nearing the end of an extraordinary year that was unlike any other, but I know the future has more excitement in store for us." The birth of Autumn, Sergeant Jones' daughter, in January 2009 changed his year and life significantly. "I feel grateful to have lived another year because we never know when our last day will come," he said. "I want to see Autumn grow in 2010 and future years. She is the reason for all my goals to grow professionally and helps me live life to the fullest." Tech. Sgt. Jason Bell, NCO in charge of the 82nd TRW command section, said every year he anticipates the chance to start over with fresh goals. "I always want to be a better person than the year before, I can always improve," he said. "Out with the old and in with the new." Sergeant Bell said he hopes Airmen of all ranks will make similar goals that result in a safe year and smart decisions. Sheppard's civilian wingmen want to ensure the holiday brings in a successful year for the base. "I urge everyone to work together to make Sheppard a happier, safer place to work and play," said Mike Studebaker of the 82nd TRW Training Operations. "We have a new chance to make new friends and grow friendships." He said New Year's Day provides hope and inspiration for great things to come. Mr. Studebaker said the positive attitude that surrounds the holiday pushes him toward his goals to be more productive and spend more quality time with family. The spirit of new beginnings also trickled down to some of Sheppard's younger Airmen. Airman 1st Class Jessica Dunahoo, an 82nd TRW client support administrator, said it is important to always set goals and the New Year should be used as a boost to reach the target. "The year 2010 can be a new beginning to your life if you want it to be," she said. "I look at next year as a brand new start." Airman Dunahoo said next year her "new self" will attend school and improve physical training. "I want to do the best I can for myself and for the Air Force's future, that's the real goal," she said.