by Paul Shane
Never Give Up! This was the standard mantra that we adhered to when I served as a Law Enforcement Officer in the United States Air Force, and is still relevant today. As you read this article, we will have concluded a very exciting and successful 2018 convention in Sacramento. Many of you had the chance to experience exciting and thought-provoking events, engage in stimulating conversations and ideological debates, or network with friends and business associates from across the state.
2018 is going to be an amazing year for the CCB. We will break the cycle of survival that we have been trapped in for many years, and stand together as we confidently walk the path to our future where we will thrive as a unified statewide organization that has one mission, one vision and one voice! There will be scary and frustrating times ahead, but there will also be triumphs and accomplishments that will lead to the CCB becoming the organization others will hold up as an model of success.
The current state of the CCB can bring a frown to even the most devoted member's face, and wear down energy levels and motivation to move forward, but we must always continue our forward momentum. The true strength of an organization lies in its character. Character is not measured in how many hits that you can endure. It is measured in how many hits that you take and get back up and continue to move forward.
And so, my friends, I have a challenge for you. When things seem to be at their bleakest, find a way to move forward in a positive direction. When things get especially tough, draw from your core being, "suck it up and press on" (another military term). Think as a person who is blind or with low vision, how many times and how many people who have said "no" to you or dismissed you "out of hand" during your life time. Where would you be now if you had let them stop you? Where are you now because you did not let them dissuade you from your path and continued to move forward in a positive manner?
It is time to "get busy living or to get busy dying" (Shawshank Redemption) as an organization. I chose life and am confident that with your help and support, we can overcome any obstacles in our path. You are the strongest and most courageous people that I have ever known, and I am honored to share in your journey.
