I had lunch with a favorite pal yesterday.  She is lots of things, in addition to being my dear friend.  She is a retired AF Lt. Colonel, she is a mom of three spectacular sons who would make any mom burst with pride, and she is also a business owner.  With her husband, also retired AF Colonel or Lt. Colonel (not sure which) she is running two stores.  Needless to say, she has a very full plate, as do many moms, but I am always amazed at her great outlook and sense of humor considering the pressure she's under.  As I was standing in her office yesterday, I noticed something posted on her bulletin board.  I was so impressed with it, I asked her if I could have a copy.  Here's what it said:

"Boots Miller's Rules/Guide

1.   If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.
2.   Pray like it all depends on God...Work like it all depends on you.  Between the two, success will follow.  [I'd have put this one in the #1 spot!]
3.   Fair is a grade school concept...but be consistent.
4.   They don't have to like you, but earn their respect.
5.   Where there's a will, there's a way!
6.   Check the details.
7.   It ain't as bad as you think.  It will look better in the morning.
8.   Get mad...then get over it.
9.   Be careful what you choose.  You may get it.  [This is one of my favorites, personally, only I change it to "Be careful what you pray for, you may get it!]
10.   Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
11.   Share credit.
13.   Remain calm.  Be kind.
14.   Have a vision.  Be demanding.
15.   Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.  [FABULOUS!]
16.   Pay attention to your gut...if it doesn't seem right, use caution.
17.   The best DEFENSE, is a good OFFENSE.
18.   Never present a problem without a proposed solution.
19.   Don't put:  Rules above reason; compliance above common sense; policy above people. 

As my friend was photo-copying the above for me, she shared the history of it, and her memories of her last boss in the Air Force, Boots Miller.  I told her with a philosophy like this, he should have been a general.  She agreed, but said that his little daughter contracted leukemia.  Though he'd been on a fast track to the top of his career, he chose family first, and asked for a transfer here to San Antonio so that his daughter could undergo treatment.  This is the caliber of people we have in our military.  As we approach our Independence Day, I salute you all, Heroes of America, for providing us the freedom we all enjoy.  God bless you one and all.