Finding a fortune, putting things into perspective Published May 24, 2007 By Capt. Gina Sortor 305th Contracting Squadron MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- I think it's interesting how we sometimes can read something and it means nothing to us. But on another day, a simple quote or even a word can mean everything. One of the things I look forward to after eating Chinese food is getting the fortune cookie. The cookie is usually good, but we all know the true joy is getting to read your "fortune" and comparing yours to others to see who has the better one. Admit it, we all do it. Normally, I read mine and toss it aside thinking, who comes up with this stuff? One afternoon, I couldn't wait to read the small, white, mass-produced slip of paper, hoping it would say, "You will be independently wealthy." Instead, it read, "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little something extra." It was a quote I had gotten once before, as have many others I'm sure, but never really gave it any thought. I thought it was just one of those slightly profound quotes that short-changed me because after all, it really wasn't a "fortune." But for some reason that day, it really affected me; maybe because I just needed a small reminder to put things back into perspective. Reading those words made me think about how proud I feel having been a part of the military. The Air Force is extraordinary and full of extraordinary people, both active duty and civilian. In our current state of frequent deployments, high ops tempo and manning issues, we all see people pulling together to make sure the mission gets done. We work hard and long hours just like some outside of the Air Force, but what I think makes us different is that "something extra." It's about watching over our wingmen when they are stressed, setting high standards and always trying to meet them, giving a ride to someone who's been drinking or having a mentoring session to help us become better Airmen. It's what keeps us going through the tough times when people are tired and worn. People are always giving that "extra" by going above and beyond because there is genuine concern for each other. I have witnessed countless times when someone in need reached out and the Air Force was there to embrace them. Not saying that it doesn't happen on the outside, but it is more consistent in the Air Force. That "something extra" also includes one's sense of duty to our nation, dedication to a cause and a purpose for something larger than oneself. It's the bond that links all of us, and our link to each other is what makes the Air Force extraordinary. That day I realized I hadn't been short-changed, I did get my "fortune."