FAREWELL TO MY FRIENDS at the Veterans Affairs

FAREWELL TO MY FRIENDS at the VA
By Tommy Franks
Washington DC 1993

We all have different personalities, especially within the Dept. of VA. But this is what makes America the greatest nation on earth. Think about it. If every one was like you or me, this world would be a boring place to live. That's why we need each other. Personally, I have never met a man or woman in whom I couldn't learn something. We all have our varied gifts and talents. No one person ever knows more than the team or group. That's why we NEED Teamwork daily. Continue to work together as a spirited and energetic Team. Promote each other and eventually, you will be promoted!

REMEMBER:
1. "The man on the top of the mountain did not fall there." (Author Unknown)

2. "Autograph your work with quality. A customer is the most important visitor on ANY premises. He is not dependent on us...we are dependent on him. He is not an outsider...he is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him...he is doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so. Rule # 1, If we don't take care of our customers, somebody else will" (Author Unknown).

3. "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men/women with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts..." (Calvin Coolidge).

4. DON'T YOU DARE QUIT: When things go wrong...when the road seems all uphill...when your wages seem low... smile. When pressures come...and they will, DON'T YOU QUIT. Success is failure turned inside out. Keep marching. Don't you quit.

5. "Winning is not a one time deal. It's an all time deal. I don't want to win once in a while. Winners want to win all the time. Winning becomes a habit. Unfortunately, Planet Earth has no room for second place. Second place does have a place though, but it's a place for losers. In America, our forefathers had the zeal to be first in everything they did. They wanted to win, and to win, and to win. An athlete plays from the ground up...from the soles of his feet to his head. Some guys play with their heads. That's all right because you've got to be smart to be number 1. More importantly though, you've got to play with your heart. If you can find a person with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he's never going to come in second" (Vince Lombardi).

6. "Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organization­al objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results" (Author Unknown). "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success" (Henry Ford).

7. "You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore". Do not fear the winds of adversity. Remember, a kite rises against the wind rather than with it" (Author Unknown).

"Technology Management Service and Teamwork"
By Tommy Franks

Communication is the key that unlocks the door.
Through challenging TEAMWORK, our programs will soar.
Our objectives, mission, and forum, we'll explore.
We must set the tone for VA improvements and more.
We must work together as never before.
Professional Telecommunications Managers are like gold ore.
The hotter the fire and the more you pour,
Each one seems to be refined and shouts, "Encore!"

With all the vendors, solicitors, auditors, and competitors,
Some may think that our work is nothing more...than a metaphor.
But let me echo the sounds from the distant corridor,
From the professional Janitor to the Director to the Battle Sore.
"You are an executor, a team contributor, and depositor
Because you take pride, action, and performance as esprit de corps."
VA technology, plans, and programs are inevitable, we cannot ignore;
But with teamwork and professional respect, we'll make a big score...
Forevermore!

In conclusion, let me say this:

I want to encourage each of you, commend and thank you for your exceptional talents that you have displayed as communicators. Your performance and abilities as co­workers is absolutely commendable. Your leadership and technical expertise have been exceptional. Your professionalism and teamwork in the areas of telephone analysis and communications technology have provided tremendous results for the success of our Team Camaraderie. Your unselfish determination in assisting the whole Team produced fruitful and lasting results for all. Remember, "Not one of us is as good as all of us."
Your significant contributions as Team Members greatly helped to develop and establish more positive traits in me. Thanks. As Team Members, you demonstrated exceptional cooperation and a win/win attitude.
HAPPY TRAILS, Tommy Franks