Hill climbs the medals podium
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No comments [ Add Comment ]Everyone likes to finish No. 1 in competition. It's what Americans do.
But as they say in youth-sports organizations: No. 2 ain't so bad.
That's our message to Hill Air Force Base, which was named this week as the second-best Air Force base out of more than 100 worldwide. Nothing shabby about that. Or about the $500,000 prize money that comes along with it.
The Commander-In-Chief's Installation Excellence Award, announced Tuesday by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, was given in all four branches of the military. In the Air Force category, Delaware's Dover Air Force Base nabbed the No. 1 spot, edging out Hill.
Because we all like to finish first, there's bound to be lingering disappointment at Hill. It's understandable, even if we think those who are disappointed are being too self-critical. Look, it bites that Hill didn't finish first, and we don't expect anyone to run around pumping a fist and chanting "We're No. 2! We're No. 2!"
But in this case, No. 2 out of more than 100 is stellar performance. Hill's still contemplating how it will spend the $500,000 prize; obviously, it should be something in which the entire base can take pride.
Overall, we think it's back-slapping time at Hill, and everyone associated with the base should be proud. We know Hill's a great place to work, and it is a magnificent part of our local culture and economy. Is it perfect? Of course not. No military base -- or company or school or family unit -- is perfect. But Hill's praiseworthy consistency over many decades speaks well of the thousands of people who make it hum. Now we have another confirmation of its operational excellence.
Or you could look at it this way: Dover's got nowhere to go but down, and Hill's ready to finish in first place next time around.
