A Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network Exclusive by Jennifer King

The American Air Force has embraced the month of February to promote mentoring among service people. Lt. Col. Penny Bailey of the 100th Air Refueling Wing in Mildenhall, England writes:

Mentorship seems to have different meanings for different people. Some consider it a form of counseling, some look at it as communicating or learning by example. But, whatever you want to call it, it is something that certainly can be beneficial to any organization. It is a proven approach and valuable tool for leaders. Mentoring is the presence of caring individuals who provide support, advice, friendship, reinforcement and constructive examples to help others succeed. Mentoring can mean the difference between success and failure. Mentoring helps prepare officers, enlisted service members and civilians for increased responsibilities by encouraging job competency, military education, professional development, higher education and serving the needs of the Air Force and our nation. Mentoring encourages people by promoting communication, and personal and professional development. It does not have to be just at the top levels that daily contact and one-on-one discussions occur. This can and should apply at the lowest unit level. Supervisors of all ranks and in all positions can and should mentor those junior to them. Modern technology has actually made it easier. With e-mail, someone can seek advice or guidance anytime, and if it is not an emergency, the mentor can answer the questions and provide thoughtful advice at his or her convenience. Thus, mentoring can take place just about anytime. Actually, mentoring occurs all the time. Each time you have a discussion with someone, at a minimum, informal mentoring is taking place as you are providing insight based on your own experiences.

For the full text of her post called "Make A Difference, Become A Mentor," go to the America's Air Force Web site.

One way to support and honor our servicemembers, is to invite them over this weekend to watch the Pro Bowl Football game.

Today has been designated "Military Day" surrounding the Pro Bowl Festival events. On Sunday, the game, which will bring together the top players in the American and National conferences of the National Football League, also will assemble the best and the brightest from throughout the U.S. military in Hawaii.

Servicemembers and volunteers of the year from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard will participate in the coin toss during the game's opening ceremonies. Servicemembers chosen to participate in the coin toss are calling it a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity.

A joint-service color guard also will participate in the opening ceremonies, and 16 sailors will carry NFL flags onto the field at the beginning of the game. An F-15 Eagle fighter jet from the Hawaii Air National Guard will conduct a flyover.

Game time is on Sunday, February 8th at 4:30pm on ESPN.

For a list of all the players and details regarding the game go to: NFL.com

Forty-Niner's Fullback, Fred Beasley, will be making his first appearance at the Pro Bowl as the only starter representing the 49er team. He will be playing on the same team with Green Bay Packers' Running back, Ahman Green. Minnesota's Daunte Culpepper will be the NFC team's Quarterback on Sunday. Injured Brett Favre will be there to back him up - in reserve.

Beasley will playing against Kansas City's Tony Richardson. Steve McNair, Quarterback for Tennessee is on the roster to represent the AFC.

A few "rugged elegant" places in San Francisco to watch the game, if not in your own home, is:

Balboa Cafe, Cow Hollow
Johnny Foley's Irish House, Union Square
Presidio Golf Club Cafe, a Hidden Treasure of The City
The Elite Café, Pacific Heights

Go America. Go team!