TEC gets motivated

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mavi Smith
  • The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center
Members of The I.G. Brown Air National Guard Training and Education Center got the latest information on leadership, teamwork and excellence when they joined an estimated ten thousand people from the local community for the Get Motivated! business seminar at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, July 21.

"This was an unusually fantastic opportunity," said John Hawk, a training specialist with the Transformative Education branch, who attended along with more than two dozen TEC members. "The breadth and scope of the speakers and topics that were covered was phenomenal."

The full day event featured an all-star lineup of speakers including legendary soldier and statesman Gen. Colin Powell; America's best known mayor Rudy Giuliani; renowned Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz; master motivator Zig Ziglar; University of Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl; and many others.

Each speaker captivated, educated, entertained, and motivated the crowd.

Throughout the day, the mood went from rock concert, to motivational presentation, to financial seminar, to tribute to the troops, and back again, complete with fireworks and pop music, tossed beachballs through the crowd, a dance contest to win a Disney vacation giveaway, and serious moments that had the audience scribbling furiously in glossy seminar workbooks.

Powell and Giuliani headed the lineup, offering their views on leadership and perseverance...but it was Pearl who captured the attention of TEC members.

Most agreed his message on teamwork and attitude was the best of the day.

"Hard work alone won't guarantee success," said the championship coach as he encouraged everyone to work on their strengths, be confident, live a balanced life, and always remember that attitude is everything.

Master Sgt. Harry Hamlett, a network systems administrator, said the opportunity to hear so many legendary leaders speak in one venue will stay with him for a long time.

"The lessons I learned at this event are something I'll apply not only in my workcenter," said Hamlett. "They're something I'll take forward with me as I continue on with my life."

"I can definitely say that I'm more motivated now than I was before," added Hamlett. "Motivation really is the key to success."

Special thanks went to retired Col. Ed Morrisey, the first commander of the TEC, for sponsoring the center'sĀ attendance.