Airmen share experiences in first Storytellers event

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Franklin R. Ramos
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Altus AFB hosted a Storytellers event at the Freedom Community Center, Dec. 17, 2014. The event consisted of a free brunch and five guest speakers telling their personal stories. This event allowed Airmen to share their stories that made an impact on who they are today.

"We spend so much time interacting with each other. There are very few things that we accomplish solely on our own, without reaching out to and connecting with someone from another section, squadron, or group. But how often do we stop and inquire about their story," said Master Sgt. Paul Hammer, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels superintendent. "This brings the stories to the Airmen in a way that makes it easy for them to enjoy and dissect. It's not forced, it's real, tangible and gets to the very heart of what makes us Airmen."

Osborn Richardson was one of five Airmen to share his story. He grew up on his grandfather's farm in Mississippi in the 1960s.

Growing up on the farm, Richardson learned he had to work for everything and to appreciate the value of it. His grandfather once told him, "You've got a place to stay and some food to eat. That's your pay and that's all you've got. Don't expect anybody to give you anything in life. Earn everything. Don't expect anything to be given to you."

Keeping that in mind, he set out to play football at a major college in Mississippi. He had an opportunity to attend a junior college but decided not to go because he was determined to play for Mississippi State University's football team.

Richardson enrolled at MSU eventually making the team and scoring his first touchdown in his first college football game. After college he joined the U.S. Air Force serving 23 and a half years and retiring as a senior master sergeant, and, for the past six and a half years, has been working as a civilian Airman at Altus AFB which he believes is his purpose in life. "You should keep all of life's situations in their proper perspective, believe in yourself, pursue your life purpose, always do your best, be passionate and seek to be a part of something bigger than yourself," said Richardson.

This is the first time Altus AFB has hosted a Storytellers event, and the base is planning on making this a quarterly event for Airmen to share their stories.

"I think the event was very impressive and was not what I initially expected. The stories came from all walks of life," said Master Sgt. Calvin Speed, 97th Operations Support Squadron unit training manager. "Each story had its own unique independent message. The facilitators did an outstanding job selecting a perfect mixture of Airmen to tell their story." 

"I would definitely recommend this event to the Airmen I encounter. Sometimes motivation comes from venues you would never expect them to come from, as I have learned today," said Speed. 

Every Airman has a story and the purpose of Storytellers is to allow them to share their experiences, which can make a difference and change lives. This program coincides with the social pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness culture which is to develop and maintain trusted, valued friendships that are personally fulfilling and foster good communication, including exchange of ideas, views and experiences.

Richardson added that "We are all examples for everyone we come in contact with. Focus on being a positive one."

If you are interested in sharing your story, call 580-481-6145 or 580-481-6649.