Countless workers give unappreciated 'gift'

This holiday season, take a moment to recognize and thank the hard-working men and women who perform “routine” tasks in our community. They are all around you. One simply need to take a moment to notice. The janitor, maid, garbage man, food server, cook, cashier, clerk, receptionist, newspaper delivery person, and countless others give their very best, every day, serving you.

We often take these workers for granted. The people doing seemingly “menial” and unpleasant tasks necessary to keep society moving forward often seem invisible … and sometimes they feel that way. It reminds me of the Discovery Channel television show “Dirty Jobs” with Mike Rowe, where they “profile the unsung American laborers who make their living in the most unthinkable — yet vital — ways.” Their work is meaningful for us all.

In fact, jobs like these are so important that military planners factor them into their thinking, particularly when conducting humanitarian relief operations. They focus on the well-being of the population including access to basic services such as water, food, shelter, sanitation and health care.

This point became all too real for me when I was deployed to Afghanistan as the expeditionary support squadron commander (in civilian terms, the city manager). It was then I began to really appreciate the people who performed “routine tasks” every day to keep the compound running. From food services, lodging, power production, and waste removal, these professionals were crucial to daily living and overall mission. Our visits to local villages stood in sharp contrast. You could see, firsthand, the dramatic impact on the men, women and children who did not have these essential services.

So, as we celebrate this holiday season with family and friends, please take time to notice and thank the very special people who take care of your basic needs. Give that breakfast server an extra large tip; place a Christmas card and gift certificate in your newspaper box; say “Thank you for what you do,” to the city worker; and buy a cup of coffee for the night clerk at a hotel. They will appreciate it and know their hard work is valued.

Happy holidays!

Kodlick is the grandson of a coal miner, and third-generation combat veteran. He started working on a farm at 13 years old and landed his first job as a gas station attendant at age 15. He worked at Exxon and in construction until joining the Air Force. The now-retired brigadier general served for almost 30 years before settling in the Flathead Valley with his family.