Incentive flights: More than just a reward Published June 16, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Alex Martinez 90th Space Wing Public Affairs F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- I enjoy accolades. And not because I like to hear how great I am, because some would gladly disagree. I enjoy them because no matter how big or small, any recognition for hard work is very effective. I read a study conducted by Kansas State University that revealed compliments and small rewards do boost self esteem. Sometimes it's the anticipation of receiving a compliment or recognition that drives people to do outstanding work. Now, I never expect to receive anything for doing my job. The satisfaction of contributing to our important mission should be enough of a reason to do well, and as an Airman 1st Class, I certainly don't expect to be patted on the back all the time. There is one "pat on the back" incentive opportunity here that stands out to me as effective and invigorating. Every quarter, two Airmen are selected from each group to go on a helicopter incentive flight. Every group selects the two Airmen who display outstanding work performance. Last quarter, and I'm not bragging, I was selected to go. I was not that excited at first. I found out the afternoon before that I was going, and that meant my schedule was messed up for the next day. So yeah, I said sarcastically to myself "whoop-di-do." I have been on a helicopter ride before, so I knew what it was going to be like. I was just less excited then I should have been. So on the next day, I arrived at the 37th Helicopter Squadron to meet with all the other people selected. There were so many people, there had to be three flights so everyone could go. I was in the last group to fly so there was a lot of waiting around. While I waited with the others, I couldn't have been more surprised. Everyone was so happy to be there and couldn't wait to fly. Everyone sat around and talked about what the flight was going to be like and what they expected out of the experience. Every time they would hear a helicopter take off or land, excitement would set in again. The first groups would come back with its passengers youthfully excited with messy wind-blown hair and ear-to-ear smiles. They obviously had fun, and that made our anticipation grow. Our turn finally came, and it was amazing. The helicopter took us around Cheyenne, the Vedauwoo Recreational Area and the Laramie area. And yes, when we returned, our hair was messy too. Also, just meeting everyone from all different areas of the base was worth the experience. After a while, I found myself as excited and appreciative as everyone else. I realized I was there as a reward and should treat it that way. The flight was awesome and I felt very humbled by the entire experience. So for Airmen who feel their hard work goes unnoticed, there are incentive programs here. This one in particular is a great one that you can be selected for. Trust me, it's worth it to work for an opportunity like this.