Make your impact on others a positive experience Published Dec. 19, 2014 By Col. John Devillier 88th Air Base Wing commander WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Earlier this month, my family and I watched the holiday movie classic "It's a Wonderful Life." It was the first time I had seen the movie about George Bailey, a man who frequently set aside his dreams and ambitions in order to help others. Yet when an unfortunate event causes Bailey to consider taking drastic action, a guardian angel shows Bailey all the lives that Bailey has touched and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be had Bailey never been born. Bailey's impact per individual was small, but the impacts were far reaching across the community. That led me to reflect on the lives that Airmen at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base touch professionally -- such as our warfighter customers and other military branches - as well as on a more personal level -- family members, co-workers and friends. Despite the challenges we face, ranging from budget reductions to force-shaping measures, we touch countless lives in ways we may never fully realize. It's within our control as to whether those instances are positive experiences. While we cannot always control events in our lives, we can control how we react to those events. By the end of "It's a Wonderful Life," the generosity of family members and the townspeople renew Bailey's spirit, and he realizes he made a difference. My holiday wish for all Airmen - military and civilian - as well as their families is that same renewal during this joyous time of the year. While we each have challenges and demands on us, it really is a wonderful life! Take the time to express your gratitude to those around you and realize, we're each George Bailey in some small way. Be safe. I look forward to working with you in 2015!