Dan Clark visits Sheppard

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, TX, UNITED STATES

07.22.2016

Story by Senior Airman Kyle Gese 

82nd Training Wing

During his speech, Clark spoke of exceeding expectations, service before self, and why it’s so significant to truly need each other.

“If you hang out with five broke people, you’re going to become the sixth. If you hang out with five negative, whiny people, you’re going to become the sixth,” Clark said.

"For fifteen years, I've attended the Wichita Falls Leadership Breakfast and have always come away rejuvenated and recharged," said Debi Smith, 80th Flying Training Wing public affairs. "The opportunity to hear Dan Clark speak for the second time since 2014 was exciting and ultimately, inspiring. He leads from a place of humanity, empowerment and basically, a love of people and what they can achieve by looking within themselves."

He continued to talk about how success breeds success, it’s all about surrounding yourself with people who exemplify the highest standards, he added.

“Only you know how high your bar is and whether you’re pushing yourself to your full capacity,” Clark said. “Change is from the inside and must be proactive. Strengthening occurs in the area that is past the point of discomfort.”

Clark also referenced the growing concern with suicides during his speech – both military and civilian.

He said out of everyone he surveyed who attempted suicide, the one thing they all had in common was a lack of committed relationships. Each one said even though they were loved and cared for, they attempted suicide because they felt like they were no longer needed.

“I need you,” Clark said. “I like myself best when I’m with you; I want to see you again.”

“It made me feel good to wear the uniform,” said Master Sgt. Frederick Stevenson, 782nd Training Group executive officer, referencing Clark’s speech. “He really did appreciate the Air Force amongst all the other branches; he loved our core values and he thinks they embody the kind of person that we should be.”

Clark ended his seminar by sharing a hotline number to stay in touch with him and a huge thank you to the military folk for their sacrifices and commitment to service.

• Date Taken: 07.22.2016
• Date Posted: 07.29.2016 14:48
• Story ID: 205493
• Location: SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, TX, US