A spark of resiliency

BRANDON, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

12.11.2017

Story by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew 

48th Fighter Wing

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – The Air Force has invested a lot of time and training to ensure that I am mentally, spiritually, physically and technically ready to accomplish the mission. Through resiliency, I’ve learned how to adapt and overcome challenges presented by deployments; how to provide effective conflict resolution between co-workers; I can even detect signs of stress in the Airmen around me and know the direct avenues to get them the support they need.

But nothing has taught me the value of being resilient more than being a “Los Angeles” Chargers fan.

I’ve been a Chargers fan for thirty years… Let that sink in. For three decades I have devoted my support to a pro football team that arguably plays sixteen away games a year. I’ve endured a wildly unpopular city relocation, a litany of losing seasons, a series of failed playoff runs, numerous coaching changes, Ryan Leaf, and I have suffered through one of the worst Super Bowl performances in National Football League history.

Now I know the Cleveland fans reading this are saying, “Boo-hoo, try rooting for the Browns for thirty years!” You’re not wrong. The resiliency of a Cleveland Browns supporter is unmatched in the NFL fan base. And I promise, if there’s a Cleveland football fan out there in the U.S. Armed Forces that ever writes a commentary or an editorial about how hard it is to be a Browns fan, I will gladly read your tale of perseverance.

I suppose it’s not all bad. Cheering for the Bolts has provided me with plenty of conflict resolution opportunities with other fans. As a neutral third party, I’ve been able to settle disputes like, is Manning or Brady the “Greatest Of All Time?” Are the Cowboys really “America’s team?” Is it necessary for Raider fans to wear all that mascara?

Who am I kidding… it’s rough sometimes. I’ve accepted that nobody wants to watch the Chargers play; and if they do, it’s not so much to cheer for the Chargers, it’s to cheer for the opposition to either lose or win depending on their team affiliation.

So why do I continue to support them?

I do it because despite all of the team’s shortcomings, when the chips are down and their backs are against the wall, they plant their feet and find a way to win.

In the worst of seasons, I have watched the Chargers lean on each other to beat teams they shouldn’t to battle their way into the playoffs or at a minimum, into the conversation. They’re fighters. It’s that spark of resiliency that inspires me to come back every season wearing my navy blue and gold with a renewed hope for the future.

Yes, I am a Los Angeles Chargers fan. It’s not glamorous, but the experience has taught me a lot about character, made me humble and kept me grounded when it comes to setting expectations. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things and not be boastful. Most of all, it’s taught me how to endure through life’s challenges both personally and professionally while maintaining a positive disposition for the future.

• Date Taken: 12.11.2017
• Date Posted: 12.11.2017 09:18
• Story ID: 258221
• Location: BRANDON, SFK, GB