Character Corner: Questions Published Aug. 28, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Michael Anderson Center for Character Development U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The other day I was driving into work listening to talk radio, and I realized that there is a lot of turmoil and debate circulating in our country.The discussion covers topics ranging from politics to professional athletes,and who is dancing with what star. It seems that every person has a side or perspective on these issues, and if you're not careful, you may take on one of those views before getting all the facts. These debates can be overwhelming to the average person. Words like character, leadership and responsibility are being thrown around a lot. Instead of focusing on the individual it is being directed at, I wonder if folks are looking at themselves first. Is it easier to point and say how someone else should be living? The Air Force has three core values we are encouraged to apply to our daily lives. These core values are interwoven in all training we receive throughout our careers.At the Air Force Academy, we go even further. The mission of the Academy is to build officers of character. We even have an honor code to which cadets are held. But do those standards and values stay here when we're off duty? Do they stop at the gate? Do we only hold our subordinates o these values? Do we take them with us when we go on leave or TDY? Do we live by them? These are questions we need to be asking internally. Before we hold others accountable ... do we hold ourselves accountable? Tune into KAFA 97.7 FM for "Character Matters," Wednesdays at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. You can also find it on iTunes or at http://www.usafa.org/kafa.aspx.